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BELVIDERE 


ILLUSTRATED 


HISTORICAL,  DESCRIPTIVE  AND  BIOGRAPHICAL 


PRICE,  ONE  DOLLAR  AND  FIFTY  CENTS 


BELVIDERE,  ILL. 
PUBLISHED  BY  THE  DAILY  REPUBLICAN 

1896 


DEDICATED 

TO    THE    INTERESTS    OF    BELVIDERE,    THE    CITY   OF    SEWING    MACHINES 

AND    BICYCLES. 
THE    BEST    CITY    OF    ITS    SIZE    IN    THE    STATE. 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


Standing  on  the  threshold  of  the  year  of  our  Lord,  eighteen  hundred  and 
ninety-six,  the  enterprising  city  of  Belvidere  is  looking  into  a  future  which  seems 
to  be  fraught  with  a  healthy  prosperity,  and  pregnant  with  the  brightest  possi- 
bilities. 

Few  cities  in  the  United  States  passed  through  the  disastrous  panic  of  1893 
in  a  condition  as  free  from  financial  depression  as  Belvidere.  Despite  the  univer- 


STATE  STREET,  LOOKING  NORTH  FROM  GEN.  FULLER'S  OFFICE. 


PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 


sal  stagnation  the  city  marched  proudly  on  in  its  progress,  until  now  it  has  attained 
a  momentum  which  bids  fair  to  give  us  an  additional  population  of  five  thousand 
within  the  next  ten  years. 

Belvidere  in  1896.  These  few  words  briefly  indicate  the  purpose  kept  in  view 
in  preparing  and  issuing  this  souvenir  edition  of  THE  REPUBLICAN  —  to  picture 
Belvidere  as  it  is  to-day. 

Belvidere  is  known  as  one  of  the  most  beautiful  small  cities  in  the  state  of 
Illinois,  and  as  an  attractive  and  most  desirable  place  of  residence,  blessed  with 


6  BELVIDEKE   ILLUSTRATED. 

superior  educational,  religious  and  social  advantages.  The  products  of  its  manu- 
factories have  made  an  enviable  reputation  in  commercial  circles  throughout  the 
country,  and  its  business  enterprises,  interests  and  relations  are  constantly  extending 
and  increasing  in  importance. 

The  pages  which  follow  invite  the  attention  of  the  reader  to  the  manifold 
attractions  offered  by  Belvidere  as  a  beautiful  and  desirable  place  of  residence,  to 
the  inexhaustible  supply  of  cheap  fuel  easily  obtainable,  to  the  advantages  it  posses- 
ses as  a  manufacturing  center,  to  the  unsurpassed  richness  and  fertility  of  the 
agricultural  region  tributary  to  the  city,  to  its  transportation  facilities,  to  the 
importance  of  its  sewing-machine  and  bicycle  manufactory,  to  the  progressive  spirit 


COURT  HOUSE. 

exhibited  by  the  people,  and  to  the  substantial  foundations  upon  which  its  past 
prosperity  has  rested,  and  which  point  unerringly  to  its  more  rapid  progress  and 
advancement  as  each  coming  year  shall  roll  by. 

In  presenting  this  beautiful  souvenir  to  the  public  THE  REPUBLICAN  recognizes 
the  fact  that  it  is  in  some  respects  imperfect,  that  some  points  have  perhaps  been 
overlooked,  and  that  it  fails  to  do  complete  justice  to  all  the  varied  advantages  and 
attractions  of  Belvidere,  but  THE  REPUBLICAN  has  spared  neither  labor  nor  expense 
in  the  effort  to  present  as  accurately  and  completely  as  possible  the  Belvidere  of 
to-day,  and  is  confident  that  no  publication  ever  issued  has  pictured  our  city  as 
accurately,  as  completely,  and  as  attractively.  Nor  has  any  publication  as  elaborate 
and  as  expensive  ever  been  undertaken  in  any  city  no  larger  than  this,  and  the  mere 
fact  that  an  undertaking  of  such  magnitude  has  been  successfully  carried  out  in  Belvi- 
dere demonstrates  the  truth  of  all  that  is  said  in  these  pages  in  regard  to  the  public 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED.  7 

spirit,  enterprise  and  liberality  of  its  citizens,  and  the  importance  of  its  business 
interests.  From  the  inception  of  this  enterprise  THE  REPUBLICAN  has  received  the 
hearty  encouragement  and  cordial  support  of  the  enterprising  business  men  and 
public  spirited  citizens  of  Belvidere,  and  takes  pleasure  in  acknowledging  their 
active  co-operation,  and  in  saying  that  to  them  the  gratifying  success  of  this  pub- 
lication is  principally  due. 

BELVIDERE  IN   EARLY  DAYS. 

Picturesquely  located  on  the  banks  of  the  Kishwaukee  river,  in  Boone  County, 
seventy-five  miles  west  from  Chicago,  and  occupying  the  slopes  of  gently  retreat- 
ing elevations,  the  Belvidere  of  to-day,  with  its  eight  thousand  inhabitants,  invites 


BUSINESS  PORTION  OF  NORTH  STATE  STREET. 


comparison  and  tempts  to  citizenship.  Its  history  makes  record  of  sixty  years, 
but  its  real  progressive  life  began  with  the  advent  of  manufactories  ten 
years  ago. 

In  1835  the  first  comers  encamped  beside  the  stream,  on  whose  borders,  near 
the  present  fair-grounds,  was  at  the  time  assembled  a  band  of  Pottavvattomie  Indi- 
ans, which  in  a  few  months  removed  beyond  the  Mississippi.  Their  council-house, 
nearly  in  ruins,  and  the  remains  of  the  chieftain,  Big  Thunder,  within  a  paling 
enclosure  on  the  Mound,  for  a  brief  period  gave  evidence  of  former  occupa- 
tion. 

The  earliest  settlers  in  this  vicinity  were  Archibald  Metcalf,  David  Dunham, 
John  K.  Towner,  Cornelius  Cline,  Erastus  A.  Nixon,  S.  P.  Doty  and  Dr.  D.  H. 
Whitney.  Messrs.  Cline,  Nixon  and  Towner  made  their  first  pilgrimage  from 
Chicago  on  foot,  returning  for  their  families.  Mrs.  Towner  was  the  first  white 


8 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


woman  to  tread  the  soil  of  Belvidere.  This  section  was  mainly  peopled  by  emi- 
grants from  the  New  England  and  Middle  states,  and  their  sturdy  type  has  given 
character  to  the  population  of  later  years. 

In  August,  1835,  Ebenezer  Peck  and  Dr.  Goodhue  came  out  from  Chicago  on 
a  prospecting  tour,  and,  admiring  the  situation,  purchased,  with  Nathaniel  Crosby, 
Dunham  and  Metcalfs  claim,  which  included  the  present  site  of  North  Belvidere. 
Its  name  was  changed  to  that  now  designating  the  city  in  honor  of  Mr.  Peck's 
native  place  in  Canada.  The  "  Belvidere  Company"  was  shortly  after  organized, 
with  a  capital  stock  of  $10,000,  for  the  purpose  of  building  saw  and  grist  mills 
and  developing  the  property.  John  S.  King,  Jacob  Whitman,  J.  C.  Goodhue,  S. 
P.  Doty,  F.  W.  Crosby.  J.  P.  Chapin,  Joel  Parker  and  H.  L.  Crosby  were  admit- 
ted to  partnership  with  the  original  purchasers  of  the  claim.  Soon  after  the  mills 


SOUTH  BELVIDERE  SCHOOL,  NO.  1. 

were  erected  and  the  land  placed  on  the  market.  In  October  a  census  gave  Belvi- 
dere a  population  of  thirty-seven  men,  women  and  children. 

In  June,  1836,  the  state  road  was  located,  with  Belvidere  on  the  route.  Au- 
gust 1st  of  this  year  the  first  election  was  held  in  Belvidere  precinct,  at  which 
thirty-seven  persons  voted.  Some  time  in  the  fall  of  1836  the  town  site  was  laid 
off  into  lots,  and  the  corners  of  State  and  Mechanic  streets  (the  latter  now  Lincoln 
avenue)  determined  by  a  carpenter's  square.  On  these  four  corners  were  the  busi- 
ness houses  from  1836  to  1840.  The  building  now  on  the  southwest  corner  was 
the  first  brick  structure  erected  in  Belvidere.  In  December,  1836,  a  postoffice  was 
established,  it  being  the  first  on  the  northern  stage  route  from  Chicago  to  Galena. 
S.  S.  Whitman  was  appointed  postmaster. 

May  3,  1837,  was  held  the  first  county  election.  In  1838  bids  for  a  court- 
house were  solicited,  but  not  until  1843  was  the  building  completed.  Its  cost 
was  $6, 000.  Its  successor,  the  present  court-house,  was  finished  Sept.  12,  1855, 
after  an  expenditure  of  $10,000.  Later  the  record  building  was  erected,  and  the 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED.  9 

county  and  circuit  clerk's  offices  removed  thereto.      In  the  year  1838  political  lines 
were  first  drawn  between  adherents  of  the  Whig  and  Democratic  parties. 

:EARLY  ORGANIZATION. 

In  1847  Belvidere  was  organized  as  a  town,  in  conformity  to  the  general  state 
law,  but  for  various  reasons  remained  under  its  operation  only  one  year.  ]n 
March,  1857,  it  incorporated  as  a  town,  with  a  special  charter,  and  elected  its  first 
Board  of  five  Trustees — J.  K.  Towner,  Israel  Tripp,  D.  W.  Read,  Cephas  Gardner 
and  Warren  Pierce.  The  latter  was  selected  as  president,  which  position  fell  to 
one  of  the  number,  ex-officio.  During  the  intervening  ten  years  the  town's  affairs 
were  administered  by  the  county  judge  and  two  associate  justices. 

The  first  bridge  was  thrown  across  the  river  at  what  is  now  State  street  in 
1837.  Prior  to  that  time  the  crossing  had  been  at  fords,  the  principal  one  being 
at  Main  street.  Here  Scott's  army  passed  over  in  1832. 


SOUTH  BELVIDERE  SCHOOL,  NO.  2. 


PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 


Iii  1852  came  the  railroad,  elsewhere  referred  to.  The  next  decade  witnessed 
a  marvelous  development.  Prior  to  this  year  the  possibility  of  extending  the 
town  to  the  south  side  of  the  river  had  been  under  consideration,  and  the  location 
of  the  railroad  made  the  step  practicable.  The  building  of  warehouses  and  stores 
began,  and  in  time  the  center  of  trade  gravitated  to  the  new  division,  with  a 
resulting  increase  of  population  which  now  gives  it  a  preponderance  in  compari- 
son with  that  of  the  city  generally. 

OUR  PART  IN  THE  WAR. 

The  record  of  Belvidere  in  connection  with  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  with  that 
of  the  whole  county,  is  one  which  will  be  scanned  with  pride  by  coming  genera- 
tions. Over  two  thousand  men  were  sent  into  the  field.  Many  of  them  attained 
to  distinction  in  military  and  civic  service,  and  the  names  of  Fuller,  Hurlbut. 
Humphrey,  Loop,  Bush,  Ilaywood,  Baker,  with  scores  of  others,  will  live  in  the 
annals  of  those  eventful  years.  During  the  war  the  county  appropriated  $161,000 
for  bounties  and  aid  to  soldiers'  families.  In  addition,  the  separate  towns  appro- 


10 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


FIRST  METHODIST  CHURCH. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK   A   XOTT. 

priated  892,000,  of  which  Belvidere's  proportion  was  $38,000;  and  to  be  added  to 
this  is  the  sum  of  $63,000,  voluntarily  contributed,  making  a  total  of  $315,000  dis- 
bursed for  the  soldiers  and  their  loved  ones  at  home.  Every  appeal  for  men  and 

means  found  prompt  re- 
sponse, and  the  great  heart 
of  the  people  went  out  to  the 
brave  boys  at  the  front. 

BANKS  OF  BELVIDERE. 

The  banking  facilities 
have  always  been  fully  ade- 
quate. Among  the  first 
established  institutions  were 
the  Boone  County  Bank  and 
the  Belvidere  Bank.  The 
latter,  whose  president  was 
Alexander  Neely,  went  into 
liquidation  many  years  ago. 
The  former,  owned  by  Ful- 
ler, Lawrence  &  Company, 
was  converted  into  the  First 
National  in  1865.  At  vari- 
ous dates  other  banks  flour- 
ished for  limited  periods,  in 
the  list  being  those  operated 
by  Yourt,  Lawrence  &  Com- 
pany, M.  G.  Leonard  and 
W.  H.  Gilnian.  The  banks 
REV  WM  CRAVEN  now  furnishing  accommoda- 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


11 


tion  are  the  First  National,  Second  National  and  People's  (State).  The  officers  of 
the  First  National  are:  Mark  Ramsey,  president;  William  S.  Dtinton,  vice-president; 
A.  E.  Loop,  cashier;  Charles  D.  Loop,  assistant  cashier.  Its  resources  are:  Loans 
and  discounts,  $92,301.47;  stocks,  bonds  and  securities,  $124,490.60;  other  items, 
$33,120.14;  total,  $249,912.21.  The  liabilities  are:  Capital  stock,  $75,000; 
surplus  fund  and  undivided  profits,  $21,767.94;  National  bank  notes  outstanding, 
$22,500;  deposits,  $130,641.27.  The  Second  National  has  for  officers:  Allen  C. 
Fuller,  president;  D.  D.  Sabin,  vice-president;  Irving  Terwilliger,  cashier;  Frank 
Sewell,  assistant  cashier.  Its  resources  are:  Loans  and  discounts,  $137,438.98; 
stocks  and  securities,  $126,940;  other  items,  $91,312.65;  total,  $355,691.63.  The 
liabilities  are:  Capital  stock,  $100,000;  deposits,  $201,574.31;  surplus  fund  and 


NORTH  BELVIDERE  SCHOOL. 


PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 


undivided  profits,  $32,101.11-,  other  items,  $22,016.21.  The  People's  Bank  is 
cfficered  as  follows:  W.  D.  Swail,  president;  F.  S.  Whitman,  vice-president; 
John  Greenlee,  cashier;  B.  F.  Harnish,  assistant  cashier;  William  Greenlee,  second 
assistant  cashier.  Its  resources  are:  Loans  and  discounts,  $183,923.55;  bonds, 
$55,550.88;  other  items,  $59,732,85;  total,  $299,207.28.  The  liabilities  are: 
Capital  stock,  $50,000;  deposits,  $227,458.71;  surplus  fund  and  undivided  profits, 
$21,748.57. 

WE    BECOME  A  CITY. 

Belvidere  was  incorporated  as  a  city  in  1882,  and  divided  into  four  wards.  In 
May  of  that  year  its  first  officers  were  elected.  The  first  mayor  was  W.  D.  Swail, 
and  those  succeeding  were:  F.  S.  Whitman,  John  Hannah,  George  H.  llurlbut, 
and  the  present  incumbent.  The  city  officials  now  are:  Dr.  R.  W.  Mclnnis, 
mayor;  A.  E.  Jenner,  city  clerk;  R.  W.  Wright,  corporation  counsel;  F.  J. 


12 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

PHOTO  BY  W.   H.    ROBINSON. 

Evans,  city  attorney;  J.  H.  Cook,  treasurer;  L.  E.  Benson,  street  commissioner; 
George  H.  Hurlbut,  engineer;  E.  E.  Spooner,  superintendent  waterworks;  William 
Richardson,  chief  of  police;  John  Thren,  fire  marshal;  board  of  aldermen:  first 
ward,  A.  W.  Robinson,  F.  II.  Dixon;  second  ward,  A.  A.  Slafter,  J.  W.  Sharp; 
third  ward,  B.  B.  McFall,  P.  R.  Kennedy;  fourth  ward,  F.  W,  Grain,  W.  II. 

Moore.  The  board  of  health 
is  composed  of  Mayor  Mc- 
Innis,  Dr.  A.  W.  Swift,  Dr. 
Willis  Butterfield,  and  the 
city  marshal. 

An  ordinance,  approved 
January  25,  1896,  appropri- 
ated the  following  amounts 
for  the  purposes  indicated: 
Sinking  fund,  $11,500;  inter- 
est fund,  $682.50;  salary  of 
officers,  $1,305;  miscellan- 
eous expenses,  $750;  city  en- 
gineering department,  $300; 
police  department,  $3,530; 
street  lighting,  $3,900;  legal 
expenses,  $450;  health  de- 
partment, $150;  fire  depart- 
ment, $3,775;  waterworks, 
$12,912.71;  general  street 
worj<,  $4,260;  library  fund, 
$700;  total,  $44,165.21. 
The  expenditures  during 
1895  were  $42,700.32,  but  of 
this  sum  a  certain  proportion 
was  for  obligations  of  the 
REV.  GEO.  R.  PIERCE,  D.  D.  previous  year.  That  this 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


13 


amount  has  been  wisely  expended  is  attested  by  the  condition  of  tbe  streets  and 
various  public  improvements,  and  the  service  rendered  by  the  different  depart- 
ments. The  population  of  the  city,  according  to  the  last  school  census,  was  8,000. 

A  SANITARY  SEWER  SYSTEM. 

The  pressing  need  of  an  effective  sewerage  system  became  so  apparent  that 
last  year  the  council  passed  an  ordinance  providing  for  a  survey  and  estimate  with 
reference  to  initial  work.  This  was  undertaken  and  completed  by  J.  W.  Alvord, 
a  Chicago  hydraulic  engineer.  The  portion  of  the  city  to  be  provided  for  includes 
the  principal  business  streets  and  such  connecting  thoroughfares  as  it  will  be  possi- 
ble to  cover  at  present.  The  system  will  be  gradually  extended  until  every  section 
of  the  city  is  reached. 

PERIOD  OF  GROWTH. 

From  the  close  of  the  war  until  the  inauguration  of  manufacturing,  the  ex- 
perience of  Belvidere  was  that  of  other  communities  depending  entirely  upon  the 
rural  districts  for  revenue.  It,  however,  prospered,  but  the  increase  of  population 
was  moderate,  and  its  resources,  while  available  to  the  amount  necessary  for  ordi- 
nary purposes,  permitted  little  in  the  way  of  public  improvements.  With  the 
transfer  from  Chicago  of  the  June  plant,  eventually  the  National  Sewing  Machine 
Company,  now  one  of  the  most  important  representatives  of  this  industry  in  the 
whole  country,  began  the  wonderful  advancement  of  the  city.  Other  corporations 
followed  the  initial  company,  and  more  are  to  avail  themselves  of  the  superior  ad- 
vantages offered  by  this  central  and  promising  location.  The  new  elements  infused 
life,  the  growth  in  numbers  and  increase;  of  means  warranted  the  undertaking  of 
larger  enterprises,  and  its  re- 
cent past  gives  promise  of  a 
prosperous  future  to  the  indi- 
vidual and  the  municipality. 

OUR    PUBLIC   LIBRARY. 

The  Ida  Public  Library 
originated  from  a  donation  of 
$5,000  by  General  Fuller  in 
1883,  and  is  located  in  the 
city  hall  building.  It  has  for 
officers:  President,  Allen  C. 
Fuller;  Vice  President,  W. 
D.  Swail;  Secretary,  Irving 
Terwilliger;  Librarian,  Miss 
Mary  F.  Crandall;  Asst.  Li- 
brarian, Miss  Nellie  Green- 
lee.  Its  board  of  directors 
is  composed  of  the  three  offi- 
cers first  named,  with  the 
addition  of  Messrs.  A.  C. 
Fassett  and  J.  C.  Foote,  and 
Mesdames  G.  H.  Hurlbut,  E. 
T.  Gage,  J.  R.  Balliet  and 
C.  E.  Scott.  The  number  of 
books  is  9,650,  with  circula- 
tion for  the  year  1894-5  of 

23,950.  The  last  register  num-  REV.  F.  c.  STIERLE. 

ber  of  cards  issued   is   2,708.  PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 


14 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


FACTS    ABOUT 
OUR  CITY. 

The  city  hall,  a 
fine  structure  cen- 
trally located,  was 
erected  in  1884,  at 
an  expense  of  $10,- 
000.  On  the  main 
floor  is  the  postoflice 
and  in  the  second 
story  are  the  council 
chamber,  city  clerk's 
office  and  the  Ida 
public  library. 

On  September  6 
of  last  year  John 
M.  Roach,  of  Chica- 
go, was  granted  per- 
mission by  ordi- 
nance to  build  and 
operate  an  electric 
railway  on  various 
principal  streets. 
The  road  was  in- 
corporated and  has 
a  capital  stock  of 
$35,000.  The  inten- 
tion is  to  complete 
the  line  during  the 
present  year. 

The  present  plan 

of  street  lighting,  by  arc  lamps  suspended  at 
street  intersections,  was  adopted  in  1887. 
The  service  now  is  sixty  lights,  at  an  annual 
expense  of  $3,900. 

Two  telephone  exchanges,  the  Central 
Union  and  Belvidere,  using  four  hundred 
phones,  give  Belvidere  plenty  of  chance  to 
talk. 

The  volunteer  fire  department,  which  has 
always  rendered  the  be>t  service  possible 
under  existing  conditions,  was  superseded 
during  the  present  year  by  a  paid  depart- 
ment, with  horses  and  wagons  and  a  com- 
plete equipment. 

Free  postal  delivery  was  commenced 
April  1,  Belvidere  being  the  only  city  in  the 
state  this  year  securing  the  privilege.  One 
desirable  result  of  this  concession  by  the 
postoflice  department  is  the  proper  num- 
bering of  every  building,  it  being  made  com- 
pulsory. 


WATER   WORKS   BUILDING. 
PHOTO   BY  CLARK  <t  NOTT. 


RKV.  ,T.  A.  PIERCE. 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


15 


SOUTH  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

Belvidere  is  noted  among  other  things  for  the  unusually  high  character  of  its 
people.  It  represents  the  most  valued  elements  of  older  communities,  and  is  an 
illustration  of  development  under  the  refining  influences  of  the  best  social  and  in- 
tellectual life. 

To  the  business  men  of  Belvidere  must  be  accredited,  in  the  main,  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  city.  They  were  quick  to  apprehend  the  situation  and  improve 
it.  Their  hearty  co-operation  in  all  projects  looking  to  the  forwarding  of  the 
city's  interests  made  them  possible  of  realization.  With  general  prosperity  came 
modern  methods  of  handling  trade.  New  buildings  for  store  purposes,  equipped 
with  all  desirable  conveniences,  and  filled  with  more  extensive  and  varied  stocks, 


16 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


THE   CITY  HALL  AND  POST-OFFICE. 


VIEW  OF  MILK  CONDENSING  FACTORY  FROM  RAILROAD  BRIDGE. 


PHOTO    BY   CLARK   A   NOTT. 


BELVDIERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


17 


adapted  to  the  improved  demand,  have  replaced  nearly  all  the  older  inferior  struc- 
tures. In  sound  condition,  and  transacting  a  large  business,  the  merchants  of 
Belvidere  are  reaping  the  harvest  of  wise  preparation. 

The  advantages   offered   to  manufacturers   are  in  many  respects  exceptional. 
The  admirable  railroad  facilities,   central  locations   available,    disposition  of  the 

people  to  afford  every  facil- 
ity, the  desirability  of  the 
city  for  residence — combine 
to  present  attractions  that 
should  lead  to  numerous 
accessions. 

In  no  other  city  of  its 
size  are  greater  generosity 
or  more  perfect  union,  with 
reference  to  the  undertak- 
ing of  public  or  industrial 
enterprises,  exhibited  by  its 
business  men  and  capitalists. 
With  a  purpose  to  extend 
the  hand  of  fellowship  to 
intending  citizens,  to  pro- 
mote and  foster  every 
worthy  essay  of  a  business 
and  general  nature,  and  to 
carry  forward  the  extensive 
system  of  public  improve- 
ments already  well  inaugu- 
rated—Belvidere  confidently 
offers  inducements  superior 
to  those  of  any  other  among 
the  smaller  cities  of  the 
west. 

What  has  been  said  with 
regard  to  the  progress  of 
and  inducements  held  out 
by  Belvidere  is  not  by  any 
means  in  the  line  of  exag- 
geration. Its  business,  con- 
veniences, improvements, 
facilities  and  privileges  are 
in  evidence,  and  substantiate 
the  statements  made.  With 
many  of  the  belongings  of 
metropolitan  existence — 
among  them  a  perfect  water 
supply, telephone  exchanges, 
electric  and  gas  lighting 

and  heating,  and  in  the  immediate  future  a  complete  sewerage  system,  street  rail- 
ways, effective  fire  department  service,  street  paving,  and  free  postal  delivery  — 
the  material  comfort  of  its  people  will  be  well  provided  for,  while  its  higher  ad- 
vantages will  meet  the  i*equirement  of  every  acquisition. 

The   "  Belvidere  of  To-Day,"  though  flourishing  and  attractive,  is  yet  but  an 


ST.  JAMES  CATHOLIC  CHURCH. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK   &  NOTT. 


18 


BELYIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


A  GEM   OF   NATURE   SEEN   AT   KELLEY'S  ISLAND. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  ,t  XOTT. 

index  of  the   "  Coming  Belvidere,"  made  possible  by  its  situation  and  resources, 
and  the  energy  and  purpose  of  its  people. 

MANY    BEAUTIFUL    HOMES. 

Within  the  last  ten  years  a  complete  transformation  has  been  effected  in  the 
residence  districts  of  the  city.  The  first  move  in  the  direction  of  modern  construc- 
tion was  a  i-evelation,  and  duplication  speedily  followed.  Thenceforward  the  spirit 
of  friendly  emulation  appeared  to  take  possession  of  the  people,  and  structures 
vieing  in  elegance  and  costliness  with  those  adorning  more  pretentious  centers, 
together  with  many  of  lesser  value  but  architectural  beauty,  were  placed  in  every 


THE  DAM   BELOW   THE  CITY. 
PHOTO    BY    GUY    ALLEN. 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


19 


quarter  of  the  city.  The  prevailing  ideas  were  also  applied  to  the  older  dwellings, 
and  their  remodeling  accompanied  the  erection  of  newer  buildings.  In  the  numer- 
ous additions,  also,  required  by  the  growing  city,  this  combination  of  utility  with 
artistic  finish  was  steadily  kept  in  view.  The  grounds  about  these  lovely  homes 
are  in  keeping,  and  ornamented  with  shrubbery  and  shade  trees  in  the  profusion 
which  space  will  still  allow.  The  trees  upon  the  different  residence  thoroughfares 
have  been  wisely  protected  and  their  planting  encouraged,  and  in  summer  days 
the  shadows  of  the  street  rival  those  of  the  forest  road.  The  erection  of  handsome 
and  expensive  blocks,  and  adapting  of  structures  of  earlier  dates  to  modern  re- 
quirements have  entirely  changed  the  appearance  of  the  business  streets.  The 


BELVIDERE  CEMETERY. 

PHOTO   BY  VT.    H.    ROBINSON. 

drives  about  the  city,  the  charming  views,  its  spacious  parks,  the  evidences  of  taste 
and  refinement  on  every  hand,  substantiate  the  claim  of  Belvidere  to  be  an  excep- 
tionally beautiful  and  desirable  place  of  residence. 

WATERWORKS. 

The  agitation  for  a  better  water-supply  culminated  during  the  year  1889  in 
the  purchase  of  a  site  on  which  are  located  the  present  artesian  well  and  pumping 
station.  The  work  of  drilling  immediately  began,  and  a  well  1,950  feet  in  depth, 
with  a  diameter  of  eight  inches  for  1,200  feet  and  six  inches  for  the  balance  of  the 
distance,  resulted.  An  abundant  flow  of  water  in  purest  quality  was  secured. 
The  mayor  was  John  Hannah,  and  the  aldermen:  John  C.  Starr,  O.  H.  Wright, 
Jr.,  W.  H.  Derthick,  R.  H.  Jukes,  R.  F.  Tousley,  F.  R.  Smiley,  G.  H.  Hurlbut, 
JE.  A.  Cleaveland.  Messrs.  Smiley,  Jukes  and  Tousley  composed  the  fire  and 
water  committee.  Mr.  E.  E.  Spooner  was  summoned  from  Rochelle,  111.,  to 
superintend  its  construction.  The  necessary  buildings  and  standpipe  were  at 
once  erected,  machinery  purchased,  and  mains  extended  over  a  wide  area.  The 
total  of  mains  laid  amounts  to  104  miles;  number  of  hydrants  set,  99;  number  of 
valves,  43;  number  of  services,  475. 

At  the  well  are:  The  basin,  holding  80,000  gallons,  and  the  station  house,  in 
which  are  three  engines  —  one  triplex,  one  compound  and  one  double  extension, 


20 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


the  two  latter  having  a  daily 
energy  of  1,000,000  gallons 
each.  The  standpipe,  located 
on  the  Mound,  half  a  mile 
from  the  station,  has  a  capac- 
ity of  42,000  gallons,  and  its 
apex  is  173  feet  above  datum. 
The  mains  a*re  4,  0,  8  and  10 
inches  in  diameter.  A  second 
standpipe  is  being  erected. 

The  ordinary  pressure  is  60 
to  70  pounds,  but  for  fires  120 
pounds,  although  in  the  latter 
instance  frequently  exceeding 
this  register.  The  capacity 
of  the  well  is  about  700,000 
gallons  each  twenty-four 
hours.  The  largest  amount 
consumed  in  any  one  day  was 
during  the  last  summer,  when 
it  reached  401,000.  In  the 
month  of  August  last  8,016,- 
435  gallons  were  sent  through 
the  mains.  In  January  of 
this  year  the  figure  was  3,778,- 
740.  The  average  delivery  is 


GERMAN   LUTHERAN   CHURCH. 
I'HOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 


KEY.  E.  HEINEMANN. 
PHOTO  BY   YOUXDT. 


about  300,000  gallons  daily 
in  summer,  and  135,000  in 
winter. 

Appropriations  have  been 
made  for  an  additional 
water-tower,  with  connec- 
tions, to  be  placed  near  the 
junction  of  Pearl  and  Fifth 
streets,  in  the  south  divi- 
sion, at  an  expense  of 
18,000.  This  will  have  a 
capacity  of  128,000  gallons, 
or  nearly  three  times  that 
of  the  present  tower. 

CHURCHES  OF  BELVI- 
DERE. 

Among  the  inquiries  of 
intending  emigrants  to  the 
West,  whose  relations  with 
church  organizations  in 
their  Eastern  homes  were 
about  to  terminate,  those 
regarding  the  religious  priv- 
ileges possible  of  enjoyment 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


FIRST   BAPTIST  CHURCH. 
PHOTO  BY  W.   H.   EOBINSOX. 


in  the  newer  country  had  pre- 
cedence. 

Very  early  in  the  history  of 
Belvidere  could  be  transmitted 
the  intelligence  that  societies  had 
been  formed,  under  permanent 
leadership,  and  in  the  succeeding 
years  reports  of  encouraging 
growth.  With  the  increase  of 
population  all  leading  denomina- 
tions found  representation,  and 
at  the  first  opportunity  houses 
of  worship  were  erected.  The 
humble  structures  originally  serv- 
ing as  places  of  convocation  were 
supplanted,  as  means  accumu- 
lated, by  elegant  and  costly  edi- 
fices. 

This  may  truthfully  be  termed 
a  church-going  people.  Within 
the  walls  of  its  sanctuaries  are 
gathered  the  best  representatives 
of  the  city's  social  and  business 
life.  To  the  churches  of  Belvi- 
dere, as  of  other  communities, 
must  be  awarded  the  larger  share 


of  credit  for  its  moral  and  in- 
tellectual as  well  as  material 
advancement.  There  fol- 
low sketches  of  the  differ- 
ent organizations,  so  far  as 
data  has  been  available. 

METHODIST   CHURCH. 

Some  time  during  the  year 
1838  the  first  Methodist 
preacher  was  heard  in  Bel- 
videre. In  1850  the  brick 
church  on  the  North  Side 
was  built.  In  1866  about 
twenty-four  of  the  members 
of  the  First  Church  on  the 
North  Side  withdrew  and 
formed  a  Class  on  the  South 
Side.  Until  1876  regular 
preaching  services  were 
held  in  both  churches.  In 
that  year  the  Rev.  N.  H. 
Axtell  supplied  the  two 
societies.  The  same  ar- 
rangement was  continued 


REV.  R.  S.  WALKER 


22 


BEL V 1 DE R E    ILLUST RATED. 


under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  W. 
S.  Harrington.  In  1879  Rev.  O. 
E.  Burch  was  appointed  to  tlie 
First  Church,  and  the  Rev.  G. 
C.  Clark  to  the  Church  on  the 
South  Side.  The  two  churches 
were  occupied  until  1885  when 
under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  S.  II. 
Swartz  the  two  societies  united, 
and  have  so  continued  until  the 
present.  During  the  pastorates 
of  Revs.  Cessna,  Bigelow  and 
Craven  a  new  church  edifice  was 
planned  and  completed,  and  ded- 
icated by  the  Rev.  Lewis  Curts, 
of  Chicago,  Feb.  12,  1893.  The 
church  is  a  splendid  modern 
building,  seating  in  the  main 
auditorium  675,  and  with  the 
lecture-room  925.  The  church, 
pipe  organ  costing  $2,500,  and 
parsonage  are  worth  125,000. 
The  membership  has  increased 
to  507,  and  the  Sunday  School 
has  350  names  enrolled,  with  an 
average  attendance  of  250.  Few 


REV.  C.  A.  CUMMINGS. 


IM.MANTEL   EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 


churches  are  so  well  equip- 
ped for  worship.  Its  officers 
are  :  Rev.  S.  M.  Merrill, 
D.  D.,  resident  bishop;  Rev. 
F.  A.  Hardin,  D.  D.,  pre- 
siding elder  ;  Rev.  William 
Craven,  pastor ;  Revs.  W. 
D.  Cornwell,  J.  C.  Collier 
and  N.  Crane,  local  preach- 
ers ;  R.  C.  Fritz,  superin- 
tendent of  Sunday  School; 
V.  I.  Clark,  superintendent 
North  Side  School ;  Trus- 
tees :  A.  J.  Yaw,  W.  D. 
Swail,  Walter  M.  Powers, 
John  C.  Longcor,  Richard 
Jarvis,  John  List,  Thomas 
Cornwell,  A.  C.  Fassett  and 
I.  II.  Flack  ;  Stewards  :  A. 
W.  Swift,  George  M.  Mar- 
shall, J.  W.  Sharp,  George 
Hill,  Frank  Stow,  W.  M. 
Sawyer,  John  L.  Collier,  W. 
Dawson,  R.  C.  Fritz,  John 
Fair,  Garrett  Sager,  Levi 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


23 


TAUGHT  BY  A  KODAK  AT  THE  NORTHWESTERN  R.  R    BRIDGE. 

PHOTO   BY   W.    H.    ROBINSON. 


R.  Fitzer,  George  B.  Frye.  The  Ladies  Aid  Society,  the  Woman's  Foreign 
and  Home  Missionary  Societies  are  active  in  both  home  and  outside  benevolent 
work.  The  Men's  League,  organized  about  two  years,  has  proved  a  source  of 

interest  as  well  as  a  very 
helpful  agency  in  church  work 
amongst  men. 

FIRST    PRESBYTERIAN 
CHURCH. 

The  organization  of  this 
church  was  at  the  log  house 
of  Stephen  Burnett,  three 
miles  north  of  Belvidere, 
March  17,  1839,  with  24 
members,  viz.:  Ezra  May, 
Mrs.  Dorcas  May,  Stephen 
Burnett,  Mrs.  Abigail  Bur- 
nett, Frederic  S.  Sheldon, 
Mrs.  Harriet  C.  Sheldon, 
George  D.  Hicks,  Mrs.  Abi- 
gal  Hicks,  Austin  Gardner, 

Mrs.  Mary  Gardner,  Aaron  11.  Billings,  David  Caswell,  Chauncy  Bristol,  Mrs. 
Louisa  Rollins,  Mrs.  Mary  C.  Dubois,  Mrs.  Maria  L.  Fisk,  Mrs.  Juliet  Gil- 
man,  Mrs.  Hannah  Blood,  Mrs.  Rulena  McBride,  Mrs.  Nancy  Hale,  Mrs.  Ruth 
Cunningham,  Mrs.  Lovina  May,  Miss  Adaline  E.  Sheldon,  Mrs.  Gilbert.  Rev. 
John  Morrill  officiated  011  this  occasion.  Ezra  May  and  Austin  Gardner  were 
elected  ruling  elders.  In  1839  the  cln.vch  began  worship  in  a  public  hall,  which 
wras  occupied  for  three  years. 
In  1843  the  first  church  edi- 
fice of  this  society,  which 
was  the  first  building  in  this 
county  used  exclusively  for 
church  purposes,  was  erected. 
In  1857  this  was  replaced  by 
what  is  now  the  main  part 
of  the  present  edifice,  at  a 
cost  of  $18,000.  In  1889 
this  was  remodeled,  at  an  ex- 
pense of  $10,000.  Present 
value  of  the  church  property 
including  parsonage,  $25,000. 
The  following  have  been  pas- 
tors of  the  church:  Revs. 
Royal  Nathaniel  Wright, 
Charles  Fanning,  Eleazer  T. 
Ball,  Henry  B.  Holmes,  David  R.  Eddy,  Thomas  C.  Easton,  Henry  M. 
Curtis,  Matthew  F.  Howie,  John  H.  Windsor,  John  Clark  Hill  and  George 
R.  Pierce,  the  present  pastor.  The  elders  now  serving  are :  Eli  Foote, 
Henry  W.  Avery,  Daniel  E.  Foote,  Martin  C.  Bentley,  Henry  J.  Sherill, 
Edwin  W.  Warren,  Frederic  S.  Dubois,  David  D.  Sabin  and  J.  C.  Zinser.  The 
board  of  trustees  is  as  follows:  E.  A.  Cleaveland,  Enos  T.  Gage,  Albert  Scherrer, 
J.  R.  Balliet,  Joseph  E.  Tripp,  Williard  T.  Longcor,  John  C.  Foote,  George  T. 


A  PRETTY  SCENE  ON  THE  KISHWAUKEE  RIVER. 
PHOTO  BY  W.    H.   ROBINSON. 


24  BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 

Keator  and  Sidney  A.  Sabin.  The  present  membership  of  the  church  is  350.  The 
Sunday-school  was  organized  in  1840,  Deacon  Austin  Gardner  being  the  first 
superintendent.  Fourteen  persons  have  officiated  as  superintendents,  Henry  W. 
Avery  having  served  at  different  times  an  aggregate  of  thirty-two  years.  Eugene 
F.  Sabin  is  the  present  superintendent.  Total  membership  of  the  school  210.  A 
number  of  societies  in  charge  of  the  women  render  valuable  service.  A  fine  new 
pipe-organ  was  recently  placed  in  the  church. 

FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

The  first  church  in  Belvidere  was  organized  July  24,  1836,  at  the  home  of 
Dr.  John  S.  King,  and  was  christened  the  Belvidere  Baptist  Church  of  Christ. 
This  pioneer  band  numbered  sixteen,  whose  names  were:  Rev.  John  S.  King, 
M.D.,  Nathaniel  Crosby,  Moses  Blood,  Melviii  Schenck,  Calvin  Kingsley,  Andrew- 
Moss,  Timothy  Caswell,  Caleb  Blood,  Ira  Haskins,  Chas.  S.  Whitman,  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  Payne,  Mrs.  Ann  Schenck,  Mrs.  Charlotte  S.  Kingsley,  Mrs.  Mary  Cas- 
well, Mrs.  Mary  Haskins,  Miss  Matilda  Caswell.  Its  first  regular  pastor  was  Prof. 
S.  S.  Whitman,  whose  labors  began  in  October,  1836,  in  the  principal  room,  six- 
teen feet  square,  of  a  log  dwelling  house.  There  followed  him  Revs.  S.  A.  Estee, 
C.  H.  Roe,  II.  J.  Eddy,  W.  W.  Miner,  J.  P.  Phillips,  W.  A.  Welsher,  A.  C. 
Keene,  Emery  Curtis,  Jesse  Coker,  II.  C.  Mabie,  H.  W.  Reed,  J.  J.  Irving  and 
the  present  pastor.  In  1838  a  house  of  worship,  a  small  frame  building,  was 
erected  on  a  lot  one  block  west  of  the  present  location.  This  was  also  used  for 
many  secular  purposes.  During  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Charles  Hill  Roe,  the  sec- 
ond church,  of  brick  and  costing  $5.000,  was  built  on  the  site  of  the  present  edifice. 
The  beautiful  and  commodious  structure  now  occupied  was  built  in  1867  at  an 
expense  of  $30,000.  It  has  since  been  remodeled  and  decorated.  In  1866  letters 
were  granted  to  sixty-five  members,  who  organized  the  South  Baptist  Church. 
The  First  Church  will  mark  its  60th  anniversary  July  24th  next.  Its  record  of 
membership  is:  Names  enrolled,  1600 — of  these  870  received  by  baptism  and  730 
by  letters  and  experience — with  a  present  membership  of  295.  During  the  present 
pastorate  now  closing  its  fourth  year  101  members  have  been  received.  Its  Sunday- 
school  numbers  279,  and  the  average  attendance  is  160.  The  present  officers  of 
the  church  are:  Rev.  Romanzo  S.  Walker,  pastor;  Frank  Sewell,  clerk;  William 
H.  Robinson,  treasurer;  William  Keeler,  William  Sewell,  G.  F.  Winnie,  L.  C. 
Willard,  deacons;  John  M.  Hicks,  Sutton  Sewell,  Jacob  Mabie,  E.  S.  Keeler,  E. 
M.  Calkins,  George  Sterling,  trustees;  B.  S.  Herbert,  J.  M.  Hicks,  finance  com- 
mittee; Frank  Sewell,  chorister;  Alice  Rogers,  organist;  E.  S.  Keeler,  superin- 
tendent of  Sunday-school.  The  society  is  out  of  debt,  harmonious  and  well  or- 
ganized for  church  work. 

SOUTH    BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

This  church  was  organized  October  26,  1865,  by  sixty-five  members,  who 
came  from  the  First  Baptist  Society.  The  first  church  building  was  erected  in 
1867  at  a  cost  of  $19,000.  The  first  trustees  were:  A.  F.  Moss,  Samuel  Wood, 
Henry  G.  Andrews,  M.  M.  Boyce  and  John  Plane.  In  December,  1871,  the  first 
edifice  was  burned.  The  second  and  present  structure  was  dedicated  October  9, 
1873.  The  building  and  furniture  cost  $16.000.  Nine  pastors  have  served  the 
church,  their  names  following:  Revs.  H.  M.  Carr,  1865-7;  J.  L.  Benedict  (de- 
ceased), 1867-8;  John  Fulton,  1869-76;  J.  M.  Whitehead,  1876-9;  W.  P.  Elsdon, 
1880-2;  A.  C.  Peck,  1883-4;  C.  E.  Taylor,  1884-7;  E.  C.  Stover,  1887-90;  and 
the  present  pastor,  whose  service  began  October  19,  1890.  During  these  thirty 
years  there  have  been  baptized  520,  received  by  letter,  223;  by  experience,  69;  a 
total  of  812.  There  have  been  excluded  56;  dismissed  by  letter,  265;  died  97; 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED.  25 

total,  418.  Other  changes  leaves  the  present  membership  at  353.  The  amount  of 
money  raised  during  the  same  period  for  all  purposes  is  $95,000.  The  present 
church  officers  are:  Rev.  James  A.  Pierce,  pastor;  H.  G.  Andrews,  E.  X.  Lincoln, 
Abram  Kipp,  Richard  T.  Hicks,  William  C.  Tullock,  deacons;  F.  W.  Plane,  A. 
Hayes,  O.  J.  Lincoln,  D.  C.  Woolverton,  C.  M.  Church,  trustees;  J.  M.  Humphrey, 
clerk;  Mrs.  F.  W.  Plane,  treasurer;  E.  J.  Watkins,  chorister;  Mrs.  E.  J.  Wat- 
kins,  organist;  Miss  Myrtle  McMullen,  pianist.  The  bible  school  has  15  classes 
with  25  officers  and  teachers,  and  a  total  enrollment  of  250.  Mrs.  R.  E.  Osgood 
has  had  charge  of  the  primary  department  for  nearly  thirty  years.  The  various 
societies  connected  with  the  church  work  have  large  memberships,  and  are  in  a 
flourishing  condition.  The  present  pastor  came  from  a  nearly  eight  years  service 
at  Randolph,  Vt.,  this  being  his  fourth  pastorate.  He  graduated  from  Colgate 
University,  at  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  in  1873,  and  was  ordained  in  July  of  the  same 
year.  During  the  current  pastorate  forty-five  have  been  baptized  and  thirty  re- 
ceived by  letter.  The  congregations  have  increased,  and  the  general  condition  of 
church  has  been  improved. 

FREE   METHODIST  CHURCH. 

This  church  was  organized  in  November,  1860,  Rev.  E.  P.  Hart  (now  senior 
bishop  of  the  same  denomination),  being  its  first  pastor.  The  original  member- 
ship numbered  eleven,  which  in  a  brief  period  increased  to  forty,  and  afterward  to 
eighty.  For  a  time  the  church  flourished,  but  for  various  reasons,  among  them  re- 
movals and  changes  to  other  denominations,  it  became  nearly  extinct,  but  it  after- 
ward revived  and  is  now  in  a  fairly  prosperous  condition.  The  church  edifice  was 
purchased  of  the  Congregational  society,  and  the  property,  at  the  corner  of  Main 
and  Perry  streets,  is  valued  at  $2,250.  The  present  membership  is  thirty-one,  and 
of  the  Sabbath-school  thirty.  The  officers  are:  J.  E.  Cronk,  J.  R.  Simpson,  F.  D. 
Smith,  trustees;  J.  R.  'Simpson,  local  preacher;  Bertha  L.  Rubeck,  evangelist; 
Permilia  D.  Fay,  class  leader;  M.  E.  Stiles,  superintendent  of  Sabbath-school;  T. 
R.  Jackson,  W.  Cronk,  F.  Rubeck,  Lottie  B.  Cronk,  Carrie  Stiles,  stewards.  A 
correct  list  of  the  pastors  cannot  be  obtained,  as  the  church  records  have  been  lost. 
The  present  pastor,  Rev.  J.  G.  Rockenbach,  entered  upon  his  charge  October  13, 
1895.  The  pastor  and  members  find  great  encouragement  in  the  present  situation, 
and  look  to  the  future  with  confidence. 

ST.  JAMES,  CATHOLIC. 

St.  James  Catholic  church  has  a  large  membership.  The  Rev.  Dr.  O'Cal- 
laghan  is  pastor,  assisted  by  Father  Murphy.  The  church  edifice  is  one  of  the 
finest  in  the  city.  It  was  impossible  to  secure  any  information  about  the  early  or- 
ganization of  the  church,  and  also  to  secure  photographs  of  the  pastors. 

TRINITY   EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

Priest  in  charge,  Rev.  C.  A.  Cummings.  The  early  records  of  Trinity 
church  were  destroyed  by  fire  some  years  ago.  The  church  was  organized  previous 
to  1857.  The  present  building  was  completed  in  that  year.  In  its  early  days 
Trinity  church  was  very  prosperous  and  so  continued  until  about  1872,  when  it 
began  to  decline,  through  removals  and  deaths,  and  finally  services  were  discon- 
tinued. It  remained  in  this  condition  with  an  occasional  service,  until  1893,  when 
a  move  was  made  to  resume  its  work.  The  move  proved  successful,  and  it  is  now 
a  prosperous  mission.  The  building  has  been  thoroughly  renovated,  additional 
furniture  supplied,  regular  services  kept  up,  and  now  it  has  a  settled  pastor  and  a 
bright  outlook  for  the  future.  The  mission  has  no  indebtedness  of  any  kind.  It 
has  147  members  and  82  communicants. 


26  BELV1DERE   ILLUSTRATED. 

THE    GERMAN    LUTHERAN   CHURCH. 

The  German  Evangelical  Lutheran  Immanuel  church  was  organized  in  1809. 
Prior  to  1893.  for  about  fifteen  years,  services  were  held  in  the  old  church  build- 
ing on  the  South  Side.  In  1893  this  property  was  sold  and  the  present  building 
erected  on  West  Boone  street.  The  value  of  the  church  property  is  about  $10,000. 
The  church  has  a  membership  of  600.  Since  1870,  593  children  have  been  baptized. 

There  is  no  Sunday-school,  but  connected  with  the  church  is  a  parochial  day- 
school,  attended  by  thirty-eight  pupils  at  the  present  time.  Following  are  the 
branches  taught:  Reading,  writing,  spelling,  grammar,  translation,  United  States 
history,  geography,  arithmetic  —  all  in  English;  language,  Bible  history  and  cate- 
chism, in  German;  singing  of  religious  hymns,  and  secular  German  and  English 
songs.  German  is  spoken  for  two  hours  in  the  morning,  English  the  rest  of  the 
day.  The  present  officers  are:  L.  Schult,  presiding  officer;  Charles  Braun,  Her- 
man Uteg,  John  Stegeman,  elders;  August  Lettow,  Frederick  Suhr,  August 
Schwebke,  trustees;  W.  Schult,  secretary;  John  Geick,  financial  secretary;  Her- 
man Ludtke,  treasurer.  The  organist  is  Miss  Caroline  Matthies;  assistant  oi'gan- 
ist,  Master  Clemens  Heineniann.  The  church  is  the  proud  owner  of  a  pipe  organ 
of  local  renown.  The  singing  is  congregational. 

The  following  pastors  have  served  the  church  in  the  order  named:  Rev.  Ph. 
Estel,  now  in  Southern  Illinois;  Rev.  Steinrauf,  now  a  physician;  Rev.  C.  Eis- 
feldt,  now  in  South  Chicago;  Rev.  P.  Baumgartner,  now  in  Nebraska;  Rev.  Th. 
Kohn,  now  in  Chicago;  Rev.  E.  Heinemann,  since  1892.  The  latter  was  born  in 
Crete.  Will  county,  Illinois;  received  his  education  in  the  parochial  schools  of 
Madison  county,  Illinois,  and  Ft.  Wayne,  Indiana;  graduated  from  Concordia  Col- 
lege, Ft.  Wayne,  in  1879,  and  from  Concordia  Theological  Seminary,  St.  Louis, 
in  1882.  Among  his  duties  are:  Preaching,  teaching  the  parochial  school,  and 
instructing  and  conducting  the  choir. 

GERMAN    EVANGELICAL. 

The  German  Evangelical  Society  was  organized  September  18,  1867,  at  a  pri- 
vate residence  on  the  corner  of  Madison  and  Webster  streets,  with  a  membership 
of  eight,  viz. :  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fred.  Lampert,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Fritz,  Mr 
and  Mrs.  Jacob  Huber,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fred.  Voshage.  Its  meetings  were  held  at 
various  places  until  1873,  in  which  year  the  society  purchased  two  lots  and  a  resi- 
dence, and  remodeled  the  latter  into  a  house  of  worship.  In  1888  the  present 
structure  was  erected,  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  J.  Alber,  and  a  few  years  later  the 
parsonage  built.  The  value  of  the  entire  property  is  $6,000.  The  present  church 
membership  is  90,  and  Sunday-school  100.  The  church  officers  are:  Fred.  Puls, 
trustee;  Fred.  Lampert,  president;  John  Sexauer,  vice-president;  J.  G.  Meyer,  sec- 
retary; John  H.  Luhman,  treasurer.  Other  officers:  Fred.  Hager,  Jr.,  superin- 
tendent Sunday-school;  Lena  Puls,  organist;  Fred.  Puls,  exhorter.  Pastors: 
Revs.  V.  Forkel,  who  organized  the  society;  E.  Musselman,  1868-9;  B.  Ruh, 
1869-71;  Adam  Rohrback,  1871-3;  L'.  Willman,  1873-6;  L.  A.  Keller,  1876-9; 
William  Schweiker,  1879-82;  Ph.  Zahn,  1882-4;  Henry  Schumacher  and  L.  A. 
Ktt-ller,  1884-6;  W.  L.  Walker,  1886-8;  J.  Alber,  1888-91;  L.  Willman,  1891-5. 
Rev.  F.  C.  Stierle,  the  present  pastor,  was  appointed  to  this  charge  in  April, 
1895.  The  society  is  in  a  prosperous  condition,  and  has  a  promising  future. 

HISTORY    OF    OUR    SCHOOLS. 

The  early  schools  were  conducted  in  private  residences,  and  among  the  first 
teachers  were  Miss  Harriet  King  and  Miss  Rebecca  Loop.  In  1838  a  building  was 
erected  by  a  joint  stock  company,  and  called  the  Newton  Academy,  on  the  block 
now  occupied  by  H.  C.  DeMunn.  S.  S.  Whitman  was  the  first  principal,  and  had 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED.  27 

a  number  of  successors  until  1852,  when  Rev.  Chas.  Hill  Roe  bought  the  property 
and  used  the  Academy  building  as  a  residence.  In  1842  the  public  school  system 
was  adopted.  In  1845  D.  B.  Pettit  opened  a  school,  with  eighty-six  pupils,  in  the 
first  Baptist  church,  elsewhere  mentioned.  He,  with  others,  taught  for  some 
years  in  the  church,  the  old  Academy  and  residences.  A  public  schoolhouse  of 
stone  was  built  in  1854.  In  1857  a  brick  addition  to  the  latter  was  completed  at 
a  cost  of  $8,000.  In  1805  the  original  stone  structure  w as  torn  down  and  replaced 
by  one  of  brick,  and  the  entire  building  remodeled,  at  an  expense  of  $20,000.  The 
building  is  now  a  beautiful  structure,  and  modern  in  every  respect.  The  most 
approved  hygienic  conditions  have  been  observed  in  the  lighting,  heating  and 
ventilating.  Its  ten  school-rooms  and  extra  class-rooms  are  models  of  convenience 
and  comfort.  A  fine  library  and  well-supplied  laboratory  have  been  provided. 
The  graduates  of  the  high-school  are  admitted  to  the  Illinois  State  University 
without  examination.  The  principal,  Professor  Horatio  A.  Warren,  is  a  graduate 
of  Johns  Hopkins  University,  and  of  fine  scholarly  attainments.  His  assistant  is 
Miss  Anna  McConnell,  and  the  grade  teachers  are:  Misses  Flora  Fellows,  Mary 
Devlin,  Mary  Hales,  Hattie  Webster,  Dove  Greenlee,  Gertrude  Saxton,  Nellie 
Gilman  and  Mrs.  Belle  Tripp.  The  number  of  pupils  enrolled  is  400,  and  the 
average  attendance  350.  The  Board  of  Education  is  composed  of  A.  C.  Fassett, 
president;  G.  H.  Hurlbut,  secretary;  J.  W.  Sharp,  Wm.  Sewell,  L.  C.  Willard, 
Mrs.  Gilbert  Whitman,  Mrs.  Alice  J.  Sherrill. 

In  South  Belvidere  the  original  school  building  was  erected  in  the  early  50's, 
and  remodeled  in  1878.  A  separate  new  structure  was  completed  in  1894.  The 
total  construction  outlay  has  been  about  $40,000.  The  number  of  rooms  is  thir- 
teen, including  a  well-equipped  laboratory.  Every  desirable  convenience  has  been 
provided  throughout  the  buildings.  The  total  enrollment  of  pupils  is  702,  and 
the  average  attendance  650.  The  superintendent  of  schools  is  Professor  R.  V. 
DeGroff,  a  graduate  of  the  Northwestern  University.  His  executive  ability  and 
scholarship  are  of  a  high  order.  The  principal  of  the  high  school  is  Miss  Carrie 
Longley,  with  Miss  Mamie  Ilerrick  as  first  assistant.  The  teachers  in  the  eight 
grades  are:  Misses  Alice  Warren,  Ella  Ilollingshead,  Mrs.  R.  V.  DeGroff,  Alice 
Munn,  Louisa  Morris,  Sadie  Herrick,  Olive  Dawson,  Mary  Hakes,  Nellie  Adams, 
Matie  Richardson,  Grace  Hollingshead  and  Mrs.  Esther  Thrush. 

The  cause  of  education  has  received  constant  and  loyal  support  from  the 
people  of  Belvidere.  In  rank  and  thoroughness  of  method  the  schools  of  the  city 
stand  in  the  front  line,  and  are  a  source  of  pride  and  satisfaction  to  every  citizen. 

BELVIDERE'S  RAILROAD  FACILITIES. 

The  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad  Company  finished  its  line  to  Belvi- 
dere in  1852.  In  1853  the  Madison  division  was  completed.  In  1885  was  added 
the  Spring  Valley  division,  thus  making  this  point  in  reality  a  junction  of  three 
lines.  In  1893  twenty-seven  acres  of  land  were  purchased,  just  north  of  the  river, 
and  a  transfer  system  established.  On  this  tract  was  erected  a  main  warehouse 
four  hundred  feet  long,  and  ten  miles  of  track  were  laid.  Here  the  enormous 
business  falling  to  the  care  of  the  freight  department  is  transacted,  over  ten  thou- 
sand cars  per  year  being  handled.  The  round-house  is  situated  just  east  of  these 
vards.  Twentv-five  engines  per  day,  on  an  average,  are  here  cared  for.  Nineteen 
regular  passenger  trains  on  each  secular  day  pass  this  station,  together  with  six  on 
Sunday.  The  amount  of  coal  used  at  this  station  for  1895  was  17,248  tons.  The 
trackage  within  the  city  limits  is  three  miles  of  main  and  fifteen  miles  of  side,  a 
total  of  eighteen  miles.  Mr.  Luke  Wheeler,  station  agent  and  trainmaster  at  this 
point,  assumed  charge  in  August,  1892.  Mr.  Wheeler's  connection  with  railroad 


28  BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 

affairs  has  extended  over  a  period  of  thirty-two  years.  For  many  years  a  conduc- 
tor he  was  finally  stationed  at  Turner  as  agent,  where  he  remained  ten  years,  and 
was  then  appointed  assistant  superintendent  of  the  Galena  division,  with  head- 
quarters at  Chicago  for  three  years.  Preferring  a  post  where  the  duties  would  be 
less  exacting,  he  solicited  a  change  to  Belvidere.  The  responsibilies  of  the  posi- 
tion are  great,  and  require  an  official  of  experience,  fine  executive  ability,  popular 
with  the  public,  and  one  to  be  relied  upon  in  every  emergency.  These  qualifica- 
tions are  possessed  by  Mr.  Wheeler  in  an  eminent  degree.  The  following  are  on 
the  staff  of  the  principal  officer  :  Fred  Peck,  assistant  agent,  in  full  charge  of 
freight  department;  E.  Newell,  day  operator  and  ticket  clerk  ;  L.  Newell,  night 
operator  ;  E.  R.  Bishop,  day  yardmaster  ;  Samuel  Gall,  night  yardmaster  ;  Lewis 
Payne,  foreman  of  transfer  house  ;  William  Hewitt,  foreman  of  round-house  ; 
Louis  McElroy,  roadmaster,  Chas.  Bruce,  baggageman.  On  the  roll  of  office  and 
yard  employes  are  fifty  names.  Two  hundred  pay  checks  are  issued  here  monthly, 
twenty-five  freight  crews  being  included  in  the  distributing.  The  service  ren- 
dered by  the  company  to  its  patrons  here,  notwithstanding  an  absence  of  competi- 
tion, has  been  along  the  line  of  intelligent  appreciation  of  the  city's  needs,  and  is 
generally  recognized  at  its  full  value. 

FRATERNAL  SOCIETIES. 

Evidence  of  the  harmony  and  social  spirit  prevailing  may  be  found  in  the  large 
number  of  fraternal  organizations  successfully  maintained.  The  work  accomp- 
lished, both  of  a  charitable  and  fraternal  nature,  is  of  importance,  and  its  results 
widespread  and  effective.  The  Masons  and  Oddfellows  are  the  oldest  among  the 
societies,  both  having  been  formed  in  1847.  The  officei-s  and  numerical  strength 
of  the  different  orders  are  here  given: 

Belvidere  Lodge  No.  (iO,  A.  F.  and  A.  M.  Charter  members:  A.  E.  Ames, 
O.  Crosby,  N.  Hotchkiss,  L.  Fuller,  A.  Witter,  A.  Williams,  II.  Ripley,  J.  G. 
Prentiss.  Present  officers:  F.  E.  Gilbert,  W.  M. ;  F.  B.  Sands,  S.  W.;D. 
Hughes,  Jr.,  J.  W.;  Fred  Sands,  Treas.;  E.  J.  Munn,  Secy.;  F.  W.  Crain,  S.  D.; 
H.  W.  Davis,  J.  D.;  L.  E.  Benson,  Tyler.  Kishwaukee  Chapter  No.  90,  R.  A. 
M.;  C.  B.  Loop,  M.  E.  II.  P.;  E.  E.  Spooner,  E.  King;  H.  F.  Bowley,  E.  Scribe; 
E.  J.  Munn,  C.  H.;  H.  H.  Rubin,  Treas.;  C.  E.  Kelsey,  Sec.;  J.  H.  Thomas,  P. 
S.;  F.  E.  Gilbert,  R.  A.  C.;  Fred  Sands,  G.  M.  3d  Veil;  C.  L.  Smith,  G.  M.  2nd 
Veil;  B.  B.  McFall,  G.  M.  1st  Veil;  James  E.  Wheat  and  J.  II.  Livingston, 
Stewards;  L.  E.  Benson,  Sentinel;  C.  E.  Kelsey,  Organist.  Membership  150, 
total  number  in  city  200. 

Big  Thunder  Lodge  No.  28,  I.  O.  O.  F.  Charter  members:  D.  Ilowell,  A. 
J.  Crosby,  N.  W.  Birge,  E.  G.  Wolcott,  J.  S.  Whitney.  Present  officers:  J.  W. 
Goodwin,  N.  G. ;  A.  J.  Shattuck,  V.  G. ;  R.  A.  Simpson,  R.  Sec.;  H.  Weston,  P. 
S. ;  Walter  Lucas,  Treas.  Membership  98. 

G.  A.  R.,  Hurlbut  Post  No.  164.  C.  B.  Loop,  Commander;  H.  H.  Hakes,  S. 
V.  C.;  Garret  Depuy,  J.  V.  C. ;  N.  B.  Wing,  Officer  of  Day;  C.  B.  Drake,  Adju- 
tant; Robt.  Horan,  Q.  M.;  Samuel  Smith,  Officer  of  Guard.  Membership  100. 

Sons  of  Veterans,  T.  G.  Lawler  Camp,  No.  60.  E.  W.  Doane,  Captain;  C. 
Hill,  1st  Lieut.;  II.  I.  Haskins,  2d  Lieut.;  C.  T.  Spackman,  Chaplain;  E.  B.  Hard- 
ing, 1st  Sergt. ;  F.  L.  Gilman,  Sergt.  of  Guard;  H.  Hill,  Q.  M.  Sergt. ;  O.  Schmidt, 
Color  Sergt.;  G.  H.  Hurlbut,  Corp.  of  Guard;  A.  Steeie,  Prin.  Musician;  T.  Grow, 
Camp  Guard;  C.  T.  Spackman,  C.  D.  Loop,  F.  L.  Gilman,  Camp  Council.  Mem- 
bership 36. 

A.  O.  U.  W.,  Belvidere  Lodge,  No.  152.  H.  J.  Powers,  P.  M.  W.;  D.  W. 
Palmer,  M.  W.;  L.  H.  Whitney,  Foreman;  Jacob  Miller,  Overseer;  Wm.  M.  Daw- 
son,  Recorder;  C.  W.  Peck,  Financier;  Frank  Sewell,  Receiver;  F.  L.  Tanner, 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED.  29 

Guide;  Samuel  Wylde,  I.  W.;  W.  II.  Cornell,  O.  W.;  G.  C.  Tallerday,  Med.  Ex.; 
W.  H.  Cornell,  Lodge  Deputy.  Membership  60. 

Modern  Woodmen,  Boone  Camp,  No.  52.  A.  C.  Fassett,  Ven.  Consul;  A. 
T.  Ames,  W.  A.;  J.  L.  Collier,  W.  B.;  Otto  Schmidt,  C.;  E.  T.  Ames,  E.;  S.  E. 
Leaman,  W.;  Frank  Bahr,  S.;  A.  W.  Swift,  Physician;  Frank  King,  S.  B.  Taylor, 
Wm.  P.  Merrill,  Managers.  Membership  240. 

Royal  Arcanum.  L.  E.  Coleman,  Regent;  J.  D.  Peart,  V.  R. ;  A.  H.  Keeler, 
Orator;  O.  G.  Forrer,  P.  R. ;  A.  J.  Yaw,  Sec.;  W.  L.  Wynian,  Collector;  B.  F. 
Harnish,  Treas. ;  E.  L.  Barton,  Chaplain;  F.  F.  Ross,  Guide;  C.  H.  Vail,  Warden; 
A.  F.  Wheeler,  Sentinel.  Membership  80. 

Knights  of  Pythias.  Wm.  Bowley,  Chan.  Com.;  Chas.  Cramer,  V.  C. ;  Wm. 
R.  Dodge,  Prelate;  Chas.  T.  Spackman,  M.  W.;  Max  Eunze,  K.  R.  &  S.;  Fred 
Marean,  M.  F. ;  John  Thren,  M.  E.;  Chas.  Schaeffer,  M.  A.  Membership  110. 

Knights  of  the  Globe.  LaFayette  Garrison,  No.  27.  J.  L.  Collier,  S.  J.; 
E.  E.  Spooner,  J.;  George  Rowley,  P.;  N.  B.  Wing,  I.  P.;  F.  L.  Tanner,  A.; 
James  Livingston,  C. ;  William  Hancock,  E.;  D.  C.  Bishop,  L.  C.  Member- 
ship, 75. 

Liberty  Home  Forum,  No.  7.  Otto  Schmidt,  Pres.;  Mary  Orth,  1st  Y.-P. ; 
Mrs.  C.  A.  Tucker,  2d  V.-P.;  T.  F.  Burns,  Treas.;  C.  A.  Tucker,  Sec.;  Emma 
Wylde,  Historian;  Amos  Bounds,  Orator;  Anna  Youngreen,  A.  O.;  E.  M.  Styles, 
Porter;  William  Johnson,  Guard;  S.  Barney,  S.  J.  Hicks,  S.  Wylde,  Directors. 
Membership,  75. 

Knights  of  the  Maccabees.  Kishwaukee  Tent,  No.  01.  T.  L.  Manley, 
P.  S.  K.  C.;  A.  Scherrer,  S.  K.  C.;  B.  R.  Lear,  S.  K.  L.  C.;  R.  S.  Hopkins, 
R.  &  F.  K.;  Charles  Lanning,  Chaplain;  Dr.  Carpenter,  Physician;  Charles 
Derthick,  Sergt. ;  W.  A.  Gleason,  M.  A.;  A.  D.  Green,  1st  M.  G. ;  J.  Reno, 
2d  M.  G.;  Axel  Ahlsen,  S.;  S.  L.  Devlin,  P.  Membership,  40. 

American  Legion  of  Honor.  D.  D.  Sabin,  Cora.;  L.  II.  Murch,  Y.-C. ; 
E.  L.  Murch,  O.;  G.  W.  Murch,  P.  C.;  J.  R.  Balliet,  Sec.;  Enos  T.  Gage, 
Coll.;  R.  J.  Tousley,  Treas.;  R.  E.  Osgood,  Chaplain;  T.  F.  Butler,  G.; 
I.  H.  Flack,  W.;  Robt.  Banwell,  S.  Membership,  26. 

National  Union.  Belvidere  Council,  No.  543.  J.  F.  Hannah,  Pi'es.;  A.  R. 
Guillow,  Y.-Pres.;  H.  E.  Babcock,  S.;  N.  S.  Thompson,  Ex-Pres.;  Charles 
Beverly,  Sec. ;  F.  W.  Grain,  F.  S. ;  Josiah  Dempsey,  Treas. ;  I.  A.  Holcomb, 
Chaplain;  G.  M.  Elliott,  Usher;  Charles  Ehrlinger,  S.  of  A. ;  E.  K.  Yontz,  D.; 
D.  M.  Eldredge,  G.  M.  Elliott,  A.  R.  Hopkins,  Trustees;  C.  L.  Eldredge.  Dist. 
Dpty.  Membership,  47. 

I.  O.  Forresters.  Court  Clair,  No.  183.  Louis  Dovenmuhle,  C.  R. ; 
W.  Eisenstein,  Y.  C.  R. ;  E.  Lembachner,  F.  S. ;  James  Tynan,  R.  S. ;  J.  H. 
Downs,  Treas.;  H.  Keorting,  J.  W.;  E.  Smith,  S.  W.;  F.  McGonigle,  J.  B.; 
C.  Thurlby,  S.  B. ;  A.  Phillips,  R.  S.  P.  Membership,  43. 

Besides  the  above  there  are  benevolent  associations  among  the  railroad  and 
factory  men,  and  in  connection  with  the  various  churches. 

A  number  of  literary  and  musical  organizations  have  fair  memberships. 

LADIES'     LYRIC     CLUB. 

The  Ladies'  Lyric  Club  was  organized  January,  1894,  and  numbers  about  fifty 
active  and  six  associate  members.  The  aim  in  organizing  such  a  society  was  not 
only  a  development  of  a  higher  musical  taste  in  the  community,  but  for  the 
advancement  in  musical  culture  of  its  members.  The  officers  of  the  club  are: 
Mrs.  Jennie  C.  Ramsey,  president;  Mrs.  Lillie  G.  Gage,  vice-president;  Mrs.  Ella 
Plane,  secretary;  Mrs.  Jennie  H.  Hannah,  treasurer;  Miss  Bertha  Loop, 
accompanist. 


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30 


THE    NATIONAL   SEWING    MACHINE   COMPANY. 

HISTORY    OF   THIS    GREAT    INDUSTRY    FROM    ITS    INCEPTION    TO    THE    PRESENT   TIME. 
THE    PRIDE     OF     BELVIDERE    AND    THE     PALLADIUM     OF     HER     INDUSTRIAL    FUTURE. 

A  veritable  colossus  of  industrial  extant  and  import,  of  evidence  and  influence 
in  the  commercial  world,  the  great  National  Se\ving  Machine  Manufactory  of 
Belvidere  stands  to-day  a  living  monument  to  tireless  energy,  perfect  organization, 
shrewd  management,  unerring  judgment  and  the  keenest  business  sagacity;  and  all 


B.  ELDREDGE, 

PRESIDENT  OP  THE  NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY  YOUNDT. 

this  due,  more  than  from  any  other  circumstance  or  cause,  to  the  earnest,  conscien- 
tious effort  and  determination  of  one  man,  dominated  by  that  unquenchable 
"I  will"  spirit  that  knows  no  barriers,  that  comprehends  no  such  word  as  fail; 
that  same  persevering  faith  that  has  made  Chicago  to-day  the  wonder  and  admira- 
tion of  two '  hemispheres,  and  within  the  past  few  decades  caused  the  hills  and 
plains  of  this  boundless  western  country  to  "  blossom  like  the  rose." 

The  substance  of  past  success  and  the  manifestness  of  present  achievement 
speak  louder  than  can  any  words  for  the  reputation  of  the  National  faetoi'y,  and 
in  this  .industry  we  recognize  the  security  of  our  city's  future  prosperity  and  im- 


32 


13ELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


THE   ELDREDGE. 
THE  HANDSOMEST  HIGH  GRADE  WHEEL  MADE. 


portance  as  a  manufacturing  center.  That  its  record  of  past  accomplishments 
presages  still  greater  works  and  consequent  increased  emoluments,  none  can  doubt 
who  are  even  in  a  small  measure  conversant  with  the  history  of  the  concern. 
Small  wonder  then  that  the  8,000  citizens  of  Belvidere  point  with  pride — a  pardon- 
able pride — to  this  immense  industrial  institution,  which  furnishes  employment 
and  a  means  of  support  for  over  fifty  per  cent,  of  the  population.  A  manufactory 
such  as  this  would  be  an  honor  to  any  city  in  the  land.  It  is  at  the  present  time, 
with  the  added  improvements  of  which  we  shall  speak  later  on,  the  largest  and 
most  completely  equipped  bicycle  plant  in  the  United  States,  as  well  as  the  second 
largest  sewing  machine  factory  in  the  world. 


LADY   ELDREDGE. 

THE  NATIONAL  COMPANY'S  LEADING   LADIES'    BICYCLE. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


33 


THE  BELVIDEKE. 

AX    HONEST  HK.H   GRADE   BICYCLE  THAT  HAS   FEW   EQl'ALS. 

SUBSTANTIATED    THEIR     CLAIMS. 

The  success  of  this  enterprise  has  been  particularly  gratifying  to  the  citizens 
of  Belvidere,  because  they  have  long  believed  that  this  city  possessed  advantages 
which  should  make  it  one  of  the  leading  manufacturing  centers  of  the  state  and 
the  west,  and  can  now  present  convincing  and  conclusive  evidence  in  support  of 


THE   ELDREDGE   B.  SEWING   MACHINE. 


34  BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 

their  claims.  They  also  find  a  large  measure  of  satisfaction  in  the  fact  that  an 
enterprise  which  in  Chicago  was  conducted  with  indifferent  success  has  been 
phenomenally  successful  in  Belvidere.  This  fact  alone  ought  to  encourage  other 
manufactories  to  locate  here. 

The  history  of  the  building  up  of  this  establishment  is  one  of  more  than  ordi- 
nary interest,  because  it  is  the  history  of  the  building  up  of  a  new  industry  in 
competition  with  those  control'ed  l>y  old,  wealthy  and  powerful  corporations.  It 


DAVID  PATTON, 

SECRETARY  OF  THE  NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY  YOUNDT. 

is  the  history  of  determined,  persistent  and  unceasing  effort  on  the  part  of  its  chief 
promoters,  when  they  were  beset  by  difficulties  which  at  times  seemed  to  be  insur- 
mountable and  practically  beyond  solution. 


•'1 


THE     JUNE     MANUFACTURING     COMPANY. 


Summarizing  this  history  it  may  be  said  that  something  like  a  dozen  years 
since  Frank  T.  June  was  at  the  head  of  a  company,  engaged  in  a  small  way  in 
manufacturing  in  Chicago,  at  the  corner  of  La  Salle  and  Ontario  streets,  the  old 
Singer  sewing  machine,  patents  on  which  had  expired,  and  the  Jennie  June,  a 
machine  developed  by  the  president  of  the  company.  The  June  Manufacturing 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


35 


Company  was  the  name  by  which  the  concern  was  known  at  the  time.  It  labored 
under  the  difficulty  of  not  being  able  to  turn  out  a  machine  satisfactory  to  the 
public  when  compared  with  later  inventions  in  the  same  line.  About  the  same 
time  Barnabas  Eldredge,  also  of  Chicago,  a  man  of  large  experience  in  the  hand- 
ling and  sale  of  improved  sewing  machines,  was  endeavoring  to  introduce  into  the 
market  a  machine  which,  while  it  was  not  entirely  his  own  invention,  had  been 
developed  under  his  direction  and  bore  his  name.  This  was  a  superior  kind  of 
machine  in  which  the  old  manufacturers  having  a  monopoly  of  the  trade  recognized 
a  dangerous  competitor.  Not  having  the  means  to  manufacture  this  machine  on 
his  own  account,  Mr.  Eldredge  was  contracting  the  manufacture  to  eastern  parties. 


VIEW   IN  PRIVATE  OFFICE  OF  B.  ELDREDGE, 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  NATIONAL   SEWING   MACHINE  CO. 
.PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  XOTT. 

Being  continually  disappointed  and  hampered  in  his  operations  by  reason  of  not 
being  able  to  personally  supervise  the  construction  of  his  machine,  Mr.  Eldredge 
went  to  Mr.  June  and  entered  into  an  agreement  to  have  his  machines  made  by 
the  latter,  on  contract,  in  Chicago.  This  agreement  continued  in  effect  for  some 
time,  and  then  Mr.  Eldredge  proposed  a  consolidation  of  interests,  which  was 
accomplished  and  went  into  effect  in  the  early  part  of  1885.  They  were  hardly 
started  under  the  new  regime  when  the  labor  troubles  of  that  year,  culminating  in 
the  anarchist  riots,  involved  them  in  a  controversy  with  their  employes  and  closed 
their  factory. 

THE     PLANT     REMOVED    TO     BELVIDERE. 

This  forced  upon  them  the  consideration  of  a  new  problem,  and  for  a  time 
they  were  at  sea  as  to  what  course  they  should  pursue.  It  was  at  this  juncture 
that  a  suggestion  came  to  them  that  they  should  remove  their  plant  to  Belvidere, 


36 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


whei'e  it  was  urged  they  would  be  free  from  the  influences  leading  up  to  strikes,  a 
perpetual  menace  to  the  industrial  interests  of  Chicago".  In  pursuance  of  this  sug- 
gestion negotiations  were  begun  in  July,  1886,  with  some  of  Belvidere's  enterpris- 
ing citizens,  who  offered  the  company  substantial  aid  and  encouragement,  and  in  a 
short  time  arrangements  for  the  removal  were  completed.  The  June  Manufactur- 
ing Co.,  with  a  capital  of  $250,000,  was  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  Illinois, 
with  $130,000  paid-in  stock.  Mr.  June  was  elected  president,  and  Mr.  Eldredge, 
vice-president  and  genei'al  manager.  The  erection  of  a  factory  was  begun  at  once, 
and  in  the  latter  part  of  the  following  November  the  first  manufacturing  enterprise 
of  any  magnitude  ever  launched  in  Belvidere  went  into  operation  with  175  em- 


A   PORTION  OF  MAIN  OFFICE. 

NATIONAL   SEWING  MACHINE   CO. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

ployes  on  its  pay-roll.     Thus,  indirectly,  the  labor  strikes  of  Chicago  sent  to  Bel- 
videre what  is  now  by  far  its  greatest  manufactory. 

CONFRONTED     BY     A     PROBLEM. 

With  these  operations  the  solution  of  an  important  problem  began.  The  prob- 
lem to  be  solved  was,  whether  a  new  sewing  machine  factory,  located  in  a  territory 
where  the  experiment  had  not  been  before  tried,  and  with  limited  resources,  could 
survive  the  assaults  of  the  old  manufacturing  companies,  having  a  practical  mono- 
poly of  the  trade,  with  unlimited  capital  at  their  command,  and  united  in  their 
determination  to  keep  new  competitors  out  of  the  field.  The  public  is  so  familiar 
with  the  methods  of  this  old  sewing  machine  combination  that  it  is  hardly  neces- 
sary to  say  that  the  chances  were  largely  against  the  new  aspirant  for  popular  favor 
and  public  patronage.  For  a  time  the  results  seemed  to  be  quite  uncertain  and  the 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED.  37 

citizens  of  Belvidere,  deeply  interested  as  they  were  in  the  success  of  the 
enterprise,  were  at  times  somewhat  doubtful  on  this  point,  but  the  subsequent 
history  of  this  great  concern  has  proven  how  utterly  groundless  were  their  doubts 
and  fears. 

RECOGNIZED     ON     ITS     MERITS. 

The  one  man  among  those  interested  in  this  undertaking,  who  appears  never 
to  have  yielded,  even  temporarily,  to  discouragement  was  Mr.  Eldredge.  Although 
not  the  official  head  of  the  corporation,  he  was  the  man  most  familiar  with  the 
sewing  machine  business,  best  acquainted  with  the  demands  of  the  public  and  most 
fully  informed  as  to  the  avenues  available  for  conveying  their  manufactures  into 


OFFICES  OF  W.  S.  BROWN, 

SUPERINTENDENT  OF  NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  «> 

the  market.  Under  his  direction  a  machine  was  manufactured  which  compelled 
recognition  of  its  merits,  and  advertised  its  manufacturers.  It  went  into  the 
market  to  make  new  friends  and  to  bring  new  patrons  to  the  factory,  with  a  corre- 
sponding increase  of  business.  At  first  the  increase  was  slow,  but  it  was  a 
steady  and  continuous  increase,  and  nothing  once  gained  was  sacrificed  through  in- 
attention to  anything  which  their  patrons  seemed  to  demand. 

AN     IMPORTANT     CHANGE. 

In  1890  Mr.  June  died  and  Mr.  Eldredge  succeeded  to  the  presidency,  re- 
doubling at  once  his  efforts  to  expand  the  business  and  enlarge  the  trade,  which  at 
this  time  had  begun  to  assume  important  proportions.  His  son,  Franklin  P.  El- 
dredge, became  vice-president,  and  David  Patton  became  secretary.  The  name 
was  changed  to  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company,  and  if  there  is  aught  in  a 
name  that  was  most  certainly  a  fortunate  choice,  for  the  past  five  years  have  been 

* 


38 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


the  most  prosperous  and  brilliant  in  the  history  of  the  company.  Up  to  the  pres- 
ent time  the  output  of  the  factory  since  locating  here,  amounts,  in  round  numbers, 
to  over  600,000  sewing  machines  of  various  kinds,  and  the  best  evidence  of  the 
general  prosperity  of  the  enterprise  is  found  in  the  fact  that  the  stock  of  the  com- 
pany now  commands  a  premium  of  more  than  one  hundred  per  cent. 

A     WINNING     POLICY. 

From  the  moment  almost  that  Mr.  Eldredge  assumed  the  management  of  the 
factory  and  was  left  unhampered  to  follow  his  ideas  as  to  ho\v  the  affairs  of  such 
a  concern  should  be  conducted  to  attain  the  best  results,  the  business  received  im- 


OPFICE  OF  E.  E.  MANNING, 

MANAGER  OF  SHIPPING  DEPARTMENT  OF  NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO   BY  CLARK   A  NOTT. 

mediately  a  decided  impetus,  and  so  rapidly  increased  as  to  surprise  even  the 
officers  of  the  company,  who,  while  sanguine  of  ultimate  success,  hardly  looked  so 
soon  for  such  a  positive  and  favorable  response  to  the  new  policy  of  the  manage- 
ment. This  new  policy  was  broad  and  comprehensive  in  the  fullest  sense  of  the 
term — a  reaching  out  for  new  business  far  and  near,  and  introducing  of  goods  into 
territory  which  formerly  the  Company  had  been  unable  to  reach  through  force  of 
circumstances.  Energy  and  "push,"  begotten  of  fullest  confidence  in  the  quality 
and  excellence  of  goods  manufactured,  strict  attention  to  detail,  and  an  absolute 
fairness  in  dealing  with  customers,  small  and  great,  soon  turned  the  tide  in  favor 
of  the  Company,  and  Mr.  Eldredge  soon  saw  the  fruits  of  his  years  of  labor  and 
planning  manifest  in  the  factory  running  to  its  fullest  capacity.  The  only  trouble 
was  in  filling  the  multitudinous  orders  that  poured  in.  By  degrees  the  plant  was 
enlarged  to  accommodate  the  rapidly  growing  trade,  and  from  175  employes  in 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


39 


1886  the  force  had  increased  to  nearly  700  in  1894,  while  the  capacity  of  the  works 
had  grown  to  the  extent  of  75,000  machines  annually. 

THE    NATIONAL'S    PROUD    FAME. 

Such  excellent  and  universal  satisfaction  did  the  National  sewing  machines 
give  that  wherever  they  were  sold  came  repeated  demands  for  more.  The  very 
name  of  the  Company  on  any  machine  was  sufficient  guarantee  of  its  superiority, 
and  the  general  public  was  not  slow  to  recognize  that  fact.  This  is  none  the  less 
true  to-day.  It  is,  however,  but  the  just  reward  of  genius,  perseverance  and  enter- 
prise; and  now,  at  home  and  abroad,  no  sewing  machine  company  in  the  world 


DIRECTORS'  ROOM. 

NATIONAL   SEWING   MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO   BY   CLARK   &   NOTT. 

has  a  more  enviable  reputation  or  a  prouder  fame  than  the  National,  both  for  the 
quality  of  its  product  and  its  manner  of  doing  business,  nor  does  the  name  of  any 
man  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  sewing  machines  stand  out  more  prominently 
or  command  greater  respect  than  that  of  Barnabas  Eldredge. 

DIFFERENT    MACHINES     MADE. 

At  the  present  time  the  company  is  manufacturing  the  Eldredge,  the  Belvi- 
dere,  the  Maywood,  the  Grand,  the  Seamstress,  and  an  automatic  chain-stitch 
machine,  all  different  in  construction,  while  they  also  manufacture  machines  for 
other  institutions.  As  Mr.  Eldredge  often  expresses  it,  "We  make  these  machines 
from  the  pig-iron  up,"  and  a  visit  to  their  enormous  plant  will  convince  the  most 
skeptical  of  the  truth  of  this  assertion.  As  to  the  style,  grade  and  finish  of  their 
machines  and  the  superb  cabinet  work,  hundreds  of  thousands  of  housekeepers  in 


40 


BELVIUERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


this  and  other  lands  will  testify  to  the  truth  of  the  Company's  claim  that  their  line 
is  unequalled. 

MAKE    THEIR     OWN     ATTACHMENTS. 

Another  feature  about  the  National  that  no  other  factory  can  boast  of  is  that 
it  is  the  only  concern  of  its  kind  in  the  world  making  its  own  attachments.  These 
attachments  ai'e  the  inventions  of  Frank  L.  Goodrich,  who  at  the  present  time  is 
connected  with  the  Company  in  the  capacity  of  purchasing  agent.  They  are  cov- 


A   GLIMPSE,   OF  THE  TOOL  ROOM,   WESTERN  AISLE. 

NATIONAL   SEWING  MACHINE   CO. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK   A  NOTT. 

ered  by  twelve  patents,  and  are  universally  acknowledged  to  be  the  most  ingenious, 
most  complete  and  most  satisfactory  set  of  attachments  used  in  connection  with 
any  sewing  machine  made — the  delight  of  the  seamstress  and  the  pride  of  the 
manufacturers.  Mr.  Goodrich  had  an  exhibit  of  his  attachments  at  the  World's 
Fair,  and  was  awarded  the  first  and  only  prize  given — a  handsome  gold  medal — 
for  the  best  and  most  complete  up-to.date  sewing  machine  attachments  shown. 
He  also  received  from  the  Board  of  Lady  Managers  a  diploma  of  honorai'v  men- 
tion, given  to  those  only  who  were  instrumental  in  perfecting  the  exhibits  of 
others.  These  honors  were  very  gratifying  to  Mr.  Goodrich,  as  well  as  to  the 
Company,  as  the  recognition  of  the  superiority  of  the  attachments  used  on  their 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED.  41 

machines  gave  them  a  prestige  and  standing  possessed  by  no  other  sewing  machine 
concern. 

WORLD'S     FAIR     HONORS. 

Mr.  Goodrich's  attachments  were  but  auxiliary,  however,  to  the  magnificent 
exhibit  of  sewing  machines  made  by  the  Company  at  the  great  exposition.  Their 
display  was  one  of  the  finest  made  by  any  sewing  machine  company,  and  they 
received  more  first  awards-— medals  and  diplomas — for  strictly  family  sewing 
machines  than  any  other  exhibitor  in  the  same  class.  Altogether  the  National 
Sewing  Machine  Company  received  eleven  awards,  including  those  of  Mr.  Good- 
rich's,  and  had  the  proud  distinction  of  being  thus  honored  more  than  any  other 


SECTION  OF  PUNCH  PRESS  ROOM. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

•    PHOTO   BY    CLARK   &  NOTT. 

sewing  machine  company  in  the  world.  Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  the  Company's 
experience  at  the  World's  Fair  was  but  the  logical  sequence  of  the  truth  that 
genuine  merit  in  sewing  machines,  as  well  as  in  human  character,  wins  every  time. 
It  was  the  climax  to  the  verdict  of  superiority  which  the  public  had  for  years 
bestowed  upon  their  machines. 

THE    BICYCLE    PLANT. 

DESCRIPTION     OF    THIS     GREAT     BRANCH     OF    THE     INDUSTRY     IN    ALL     ITS    BEARINGS. 

And  not  alone  does  the  National  Company  manufacture  sewing  machines. 
It  has  in  the  short  space  of  a  year  and  a  half  grown  to  be  one  of  the  greatest,  if 
not  the  greatest,  bicycle  manufactory  in  the  country.  So  marvelously  successful 
were  the  National  sewing  machines  in  the  markets  of  the  world,  in  competition 
with  other  makes,  that  the  company  conceived  the  idea  in  the  early  spring  of  1894 


42 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


of  engaging  in  the  manufacture  of  bicycles,  and  forthwith  "shied  their  castor  into 
the  ring."  They  commenced  work  in  this  department  in  a  small  way  May  1st  of 
the  same  year.  Their  one  idea  in  this  connection  was  that  if  they  manufactured 
bicycles  to  any  extent  the  wheel  that  they  should  make  would  be  as  near  the  acme 
of  perfection,  from  a  mechanical  standpoint,  as  it  were  possible  to  make;  a  wheel 
"made  upon  honor"  in  every  sense  of  the  word;  a  wheel  that  with  a  single  bound 
should  take  rank  with  any  bicycle  made,  no  matter  by  whom.  To  start  with,  the 
incomparable  reputation  achieved  by  the  Company  in  the  manufacture  of  sewing 
machines  gave  them  an  advantageous  position  in  the  business  world  enjoyed  by 
comparatively  few  of  the  wheel-making  firms,  and  it  was  therefore  but  natural 


EAST  END   OF  MILLING   AND  DRILLING   DEPARTMENT. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY   CLARK  A  NOTT. 

that  any  bicycle  bearing  their  name  should  be  looked  upon  with  favor  by  both  the 
big  dealers  and  the  public.  The  first  bicycles  manufactured  by  them  were  so  cordi- 
ally received  that  they  concluded  to  at  once  commence  their  manufacture  on  a  large 
scale,  and  in  August,  1894,  purchased  the  plant  of  the  Freeport  Bicycle  Manufac- 
turing Company,  and  removed  it  to  Belvidere,  occupying  the  three-story  brick 
building  just  east  of  their  foundry.  They  commenced  at  once  to  turn  out  bicycles 
in  earnest.  These  wheels  sold  like  hot  cakes,  and  the  success  of  this  new  enter- 
prise was  assured  from  the  very  first.  So  rapidly  did  the  business  grow  that  it 
became  necessary  within  a  comparatively  short  time  to  increase  the  number  of 
hands  in  this  department  from  25  to  100,  new  machinery  was  added,  and  yet  the 
company  could  not  keep  up  witli  the  orders,  which  fairly  rained  in.  The  Belvidere 
wheel  seemed  to  be  just  what  the  public  had  been  long  waiting  for;  it  met  the 
popular  taste.  The  superior  quality  of  material  used  in  the  construction  of  these 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


43 


wheels,  the  graceful,  bird-like  lines  upon  which  they  were  built,  the  elegance  of 
finish,  their  easy-running  qualities,  strength  and  durability,  all  combined  to  make 
them  in  immediate  and  great  demand,  and  it  was  but  a  brief  space  of  time  before 
other  bicycle  manufacturers,  and  cyclists  in  general  all  over  the  country,  became 
aware  of  the  fact  that  "  we  make  wheels,  too." 

POINTS    OF    STRENGTH. 

The  three  cardinal  points  of  strength  that  the  public  immediately  recognized 
in  the  Belvidere  wheels  were  their  beauty,  strong  construction  and  smooth  running 
nature — a  most  happy  combination  of  the  practical  and  essential  features  to  be 
taken  into  consideration  in  wheel-building  and  in  the  selection  of  a  wheel. 


WEST  END   MILLING  AND^  DRILLING^  DEPARTMENT. 

NATIONAL  SEWING   MACHINE  CO. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 


FIRST    YEAR'S    BUSINESS. 

During  the  year  just  past  — the  season  of  '95  —  the  Company  manufactured  and 
sold  10,000  wheels,  a  phenomenal  record  and  one  never  equaled  by  any  bicycle 
manufacturing  concern  in  its  first  year's  history.  They  could  as  easily  have  sold 
ten  times  as  many  if  they  had  had  the  facilities  for  making  them.  This  has  been 
the  subject  of  much  favorable  comment  in  the  cycling  world  and  in  journals  de- 
voted to  the  interest  of  wheelmen.  The  leading  newspapers  of  Chicago  and  the 
west  have  also  frequently  made  complimentary  mention  of  this  fact.  Certainly 
for  an.  "  infant "  it  is  a  great  record,  and  one  to  which  even  the  oldest  wheel- 
building  establishment  might  point  with  pride.  And  the  most  gratifying  feature 
of  the  whole  matter  is  that  the  wheels  have  given  entire  satisfaction;  no  first  year 
wheel  was  ever  so  enthusiastically  received.  Dealers  who  handled  the  Belvidere 


44 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


wheel  last  season  will  be  the  heaviest  buyers  in  '96,  which  is  the  best  criterion  of 
its  popularity  with  the  masses. 

COMPELLED    TO     ENLARGE. 

It  became  evident  to  Mr.  Eldredge  in  the  early  part  of  the  past  summer  that 
the  quarters  then  occupied  by  the  bicycle  plant  would  be  altogether  inadequate  to 
accommodate  the  rapidly  growing  business  and  the  still  greater  increase  which  was 
bound  to  come.  Preparations  were  at  once  commenced  for  the  erection  of  a  mam- 
moth three-story  building  fronting  011  State  street,  with  wings  at  each  end  connect- 
ing with  the  old  building  (as  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration),  to  be  used 
in  the  main  for  the  manufacture  of  bicycles.  This  would  give  them  100,000  ad- 


SOUTH  QUARTER  OP  THE  LATHE  ROOM. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

ditional  square  feet  of  floor  space  and  enlarge  their   producing  capacity  to  60,000 
bicycles  per  year,  if  run  the  year  round. 

SOME    UNWRITTEN     HISTORY. 

In  this  connection  it  might  be  stated  that  plans  for  a  building  about  one-half 
the  size  of  that  above  mentioned  were  drawn  up  three  years  ago,  the  Company  at 
that  time  intending  to  build  in  anticipation  of  still  further  enlarging  their  sewing 
machine  business,  and  to  give  them  more  room  for  manufacturing  purposes,  which 
was  even  then  badly  needed.  But  a  condition  of  things  just  at  that  period  arose 
which  put  a  damper  on  the  building  prospect  and  checked  the  plans  of  the  Com- 
pany in  that  direction.  The  election  of  Grover  Cleveland  as  president  and  the  re- 
turn of  the  democrats  to  power  filled  Mr.  Eldredge's  mind  with  distrust,  as  it  did 
that  of  every  great  manufacturer  in  the  country;  the  attitude  of  the  party  on  the  ' 


BELV1DERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


45 


tariff  question  being  responsible  for  this.  Mr.  El  dredge  foresaw  what  afterwards 
happened  and  is  still  a  condition — the  utter  incompetency  of  the  democrats  in 
dealing  with  questions  affecting  our  country's  prosperity  and  in  handling  the  reins 
of  government;  their  infamous  thrusts  at  the  industries  of  the  United  States 
through  1he  Wilson  tariff  bill;  the  subsequent  terrible  financial  panic,  business  de- 
pression and  closing  down  of  manufacturing  plants  throughout  the  land.  This 
Mr.  Eldredge  knew  would  affect  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company  of  Belvi- 
dere  in  like  proportion  with  every  industry  in  the  country,  and  consequently  wisely 
concluded  not  to  build  "until  the  clouds  rolled  by-"  With  the  great  republican 
victories  of  1894  and  the  positive  assurance  they  gave  of  the  grand  old  party's  re- 


NORTH  QUARTER  OF  LATHE  ROOM. 

NATIONAL   SEWING   MACHINE   CO. 
'PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

turn  to  power  in  1896  came  returning  confidence.  The  business  horizon  bright- 
ened and  the  outlook  in  the  commercial  world  became  more  hopeful.  These  facts, 
coupled  with  the  remarkable  success  scored  by  the  Company  in  less  than  a  year  in 
the  manufacture  of  bicycles,  crystallized  the  plan  for  building,  and  on  April  1st  of 
last  year  ground  was  broken  and  work  commenced  on  the  great  structure  of 
which  we  have  previously  spoken.  It  took  a  small  army  of  men  seven  months 
to  complete  it. 

THE    NEW    ADDITION. 

This  building  is  immense  and  imposing,  three  stories  in  height  and  has  a 
frontage  on  State  street  of  300  feet.  The  south  wing  faces  Meadow  street,  while 
the  north  wing  looks  upon  the  placid  bosom  of  the  Kishwaukee  river.  At  the 
southwest  corner  rises  a  handsome  tower  from  which  floats  a  large  flag  of  the 
national  colors.  In  the  construction  of  this  building  over  3,000,000  brick  were 


46 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


used.  The  front  is  of  selected  cream-colored  brick,  manufactured  in  Belvidere  at 
the  brick  yards  of  R.  C.  Frit/.  The  remaining  Avails,  chimneys  and  the  huge 
smoke-stacks  are  built  of  brick  manufactured  at  Dundee.  In  size  this  new  addition 
to  the  factory  is  equal  to  a  one-story  building  2,500x40  feet.  Something  of  its 
magnitude  may  be  gained  from  this  comparison.  In  it  are  the  private  offices  of  the 
officials  and  superintendent,  the  main  office,  tool  room,  polishing  room,  shipping 
room,  the  great  bicycle  assembling  rr>om,  240x80  feet  (the  largest  in  the  country), 
store  and  stock  rooms  and  other  departments.  Everything  about  the  building,  even 
to  the  most  minute  detail,  is  arranged  with  an  eye  to  convenience  and  to  best  answer 
the  purpose  intended. 


NORTH-WEST  QUARTER  OF  SEWING   MACHINE  ASSEMBLING  ROOM. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 


THE    OFFICES. 

The  private  office  of  the  officials  of  the  Company,  with  the  exception  of  Secre- 
tary Patton's,  are  in  the  tower,  and  are  models  of  elegance  and  convenient  arrange- 
ment— in  keeping  with  the  magnitude  and  importance  of  such  avast  establishment. 
They  are  spacious,  well  lighted  and  well  apart  from  the  general  noise  and  confu- 
sion, giving  the  officers  a  privacy  in  the  execution  of  the  multifarious  duties  that 
heretofore  they  have  not  enjoyed.  The  floors  in  these  offices  are  of  hard  wood 
with  parquetry  borders,  a  fancy  design  of  inlaid  wood  of  different  colors;  the  re- 
mainder of  the  woodwork  is  of  quarter-sawed  polished  oak;  the  walls  are  a  light 
buff  in  color  and  stippled;  the  ceilings  are  finished  in  lincrusta-walton  design. 
Each  office  has  an  elaborate  mantel  and  a  tile  fire-place.  The  walls  are  adorned 
with  handsome  pictures  and  beautiful  rugs  cover  the  floor.  Electricity  and  gas 


BELVIDEKE    ILLUSTRATED. 


47 


for  illuminating,  hot  water  for  heating  purposes,  and  speaking  tubes  connecting 
with  the  floor  below  add  still  further  to  the  luxuriousness  and  convenience  of  the 
apai'tments.  President  B.  Eldredge's  office  occupies  the  southeast  corner,  facing 
on  State  and  Meadow  streets  and  connecting  with  it  on  the  east  are  the  offices  of 
Vice  President  E.  P.  Eldredge  and  F.  L.  Goodrich  in  the  order  named.  On  the 
first  floor  underneath  these  offices  are  Superintendent  Brown's  headquarters  and  the 
draughting  room  in  connection.  These  are  specially  arranged  for  the  convenience 
of  the  superintendent  and  his  assistants.  A  hallway  separates  the  private  offices 
upstairs  from  the  main  office  on  the  north.  This  is  an  immense  room  to  be  used 
for  distinctly  office  purposes  and  faces  to  the  west  on  State  street.  Its  dimensions 


VIEW  IN    WEST  HALF  OP  SEWING    MACHINE  ASSEMBLING  DEPARTMENT. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

are  40x80  feet  and  there  is  no  question  but  that  it  is  one  of  the  most  finely  ap- 
pointed offices  in  the  country.  Double  standing  desks,  and  other  appurtenances 
that  tend  to  lighten  and  make  pleasant  the  duties  of  the  clerical  force,  are  used  in 
this  department.  It  is  splendidly  lighted  and  is  heated  and  illuminated  the  same 
as  the  private  offices.  Off  from  this  room  to  the  east  is  a  massive  vault,  whose 
great  stability  is  significantly  suggestive  of  the  Company's  solidity  and  imperturba- 
bility in  the  commercial  world.  On  the  south  side  of  the  room  is  a  long  station- 
ary desk  used  by  the  cashier,  at  the  west  end  of  which  is  the  private  office  of  Sec- 
retary Patton.  All  the  furniture,  desks,  etc.,  are  of  quarter-sawed  oak  finely 
made  and  elerrantlv  finished.  In  connection  are  toilet  rooms  for  both  ladies  and 

O  * 

gentlemen,  modern  in  every  particular  and  faultlessly  appointed.  In  this  main 
office  forty  persons  are  employed  in  various  clerical  capacities. 


48 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


WHO  THE  BUILDERS  WERE. 

George  IT.  Bradley  &  Son,  of  Rockford,  were  the  architects  of  this  greatest 
addition  to  the  plant  of  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company. 

John  Alexander,  of  Rockford,  had  the  contract  for  the  mason  work,  and  the 
building  itself  is  the  best  evidence  of  the  thoroughness  with  which  he  superin- 
tended its  erection.  Every  line,  every  inch  from  the  foundation  up,  bespeaks  the 
careful  eye  of  an  able,  experienced  contractor  and  the  workmanship  of  men  skilled 
in  their  vocation. 

The  contract  for  the  carpenter  work  was  intrusted  to  the  hands  (and  head)  of 
Fred  H.  Dixon,  of  Belvidere,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  another  man  could  have  been 


A  GLANCE   INTO  SEWING  MACHINE  JAPAN  AND  ORNAMENTING  ROOM. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 


secured,  far  or  near,  who  would  have  given  such  excellent  and  complete  satisfac- 
tion as  did  Mr.  Dixon. 

WHEEL  OUTPUT  FOR  '96. 

With  the  erection  of  this  new  building  and  the  acquisition  of  100,000  addi- 
tional square  feet  of  floor  space,  the  capacity  for  bicycle  making  in  this  concern  is 
increased  at  least  500  per  cent,  which  in  all  probability  will  be  sufficient  to  meet 
any  demands  made  upon  the  Company  for  several  years  to  come,  at  least. 
For  the  season  of  '96  the  Company  has  orders  booked  for  38,000  bicycles,  to  be 
made  and  delivered  between  November  1,  1895,  and  July  1,  1896.  This  is  not  an 
estimate  of  the  number  of  wheels  that  will  be  made  at  the  factory  this  sea- 
son, but  the  actual  number  that  have  already  been  ordered.  Not  a  half  dozen 
other  manufactories  in  the  United  States  will  turn  out  as  many  wheels  as  that  in  '96. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


49 


It  is  neither  probable  that  the  Company  will  close  the  season  for  manufactur- 
ing wheels  on  July  1.  On  the  contrary,  it  is  altogether  likely  that  between  that 
time  and  the  first  of  the  following  November  they  will  manufacture  an  additional 
10,000  bicycles,  increasing  the  total  output  for  '9(5  to  48,000 — more  wheels  than 
any  other  bicycle  manufacturing  concern  ever  dared  to  dream  of  turning  out  in  its 
second  year.  The  demand  for  the  Belvidere  wheel  from  all  parts  of  the  United 
States  speaks  louder  for  its  merits  and  superiority  than  any  effusive  words  of 
praise  that  we  might  here  bestow  upon  it.  The  public  is  not  slow  to  recognize  a 
good  thing;  the  success  of  the  Belvidere  wheel  was  instantaneous  with  its  appear- 
ance in  the  market.  The  Company  last  season  had  to  turn  away  orders  for  thous- 
ands upon  thousands  of  bicycles,  and  that  the  first  year. 


NORTH-EAST  PORTION  OF   POLISHING   DEPARTMENT. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 

THE  MACHINERY  USED. 

The  plant  of  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company  includes  the  finest  line 
of  machinery,  tools,  gauges,  patterns,  etc.,  that  money  will  buy,  and  their  product 
possesses  the  best  practical  features  known  to  modern  manufacture.  They  employ 
constantly  a  board  of  mechanical  experts  for  devising  improvements,  and  maintain 
a  rigid  inspection  of  every  part  of  their  sewing  machines  and  bicycles,  subjecting 
them  to  the  severest  tests  before  shipment. 

POINTS  OF  CONSTRUCTION. 

As  to  the  construction  of  the  wheels  made  by  the  company  we  quote  from 
their  handsomely  printed  and  illustrated  catalogue  as  follows: 

"A  successful  experience  of  over  twenty-five  years  in  manufacturing  fine 
family  sewing  machines  has  taught  us  the  best  material  to  use  for  any  particular 


50 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


purpose,  and  the  most  successful  manner  in  which  to  work  it.  The  capability  of 
our  factory  is  very  great,  and  no  difficulty  will  be  experienced  in  building  any- 
thing in  the  general  manufacturing  line,  be  it  sewing  machines,  fire  arms,  type 
writers  or  high  grade  bicycles.  Is  it  not  reasonable  to  suppose  that  a  concern 
which  has  been  successful  in  one  line  of  manufacturing  that  requires  very  close 
and  accurate  work  will  be  able  to  succeed  as  well  in  another  that  requires  the 
same  class  of  labor,  the  same  machinery,  and  the  same  close  attention  to  mechani- 
cal niceties? 

"In -building  our  bicycles  we  have  carefully  avoided  the  general  tendency  to 
compromise  the  vital  features  of  practical  construction   in  order  to  cater  to  some 


A  GLANCE  INTO  THE   GRINDING  ROOM. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 
PHOTO  KY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 

fad.  We  have,  however,  embodied  all  the  latest  improvements,  and  have  followed 
fashion  to  the  extent  of  giving  latest  designs  in  frames,  light  weights,  narrow 
tread  and  large  size  tubing.  Do  not  be  deceived  by  manufacturers  that  pretend 
to  have  secret  processes  for  treating  their  materials,  and  who,  therefore,  claim  to 
produce  a  superior  article.  We  have  no  secrets  whatever,  no  special  processes, 
and  our  factory  is  always  open  in  all  departments  to  the  inspection  of  visitors.  If 
we  wish  to  harden  a  piece  of  steel  we  buy  the  best  the  market  affords,  heat  it  red 
hot,  and  cool  it  in  either  water  or  oil,  as  the  case  may  require. 

*'The  art  of  bicycle  building  has  been  pervaded  with  altogether  too  much 
mystery;  there  is  nothing  about  wheel  building  but  what  is  straight,  plain  work 
that  any  first-class  mechanic  is  capable  of  performing  successfully  if  he  is  pro- 
vided with  suitable  tools  and  material.  We  have  the  mechanics,  tools  (including 
finest  machinery,  complete  sets  of  special  gauges,  etc.),  and  material  as  well  as  the 


BELV1DERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


51 


ability  and  desire  to  do  the  very  best  class  of  work  possible;  hence,  our  bicycles 
are  strictly  high-grade  in  every  particular." 

The  above  frank  and  straightforward  statement  of  the  manner  in  which  their 
wheels  are  made  is  characteristic  of  the  Company's  manner  of  doing  business,  and 
it  is  this  one  thing  as  much  as  any  other  that  has  augmented  their  success  and  is 
responsible  for  the  proud  position  which  the  industry  to-day  occupies  in  Belvidere 
and  the  world  at  large. 

STYLES     OF    WHEELS     MADE. 

In  the  plant  of  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company  are  manufactured  the 
now  famous  "  Belvidere "  and  "Eldredge"  bicycles  in  fifty  different  styles  and 


PORTION   OF  THE  PLATING   DEPARTMENT. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 

varying  weights.  These  wheels  are  now  being  turned  out  at  the  rate  of  250  per 
day  ;  and  in  point  of  durability,  style  and  finish — the  tout  ensemble— are  the  equal 
of,  if  not  superior  to,  any  wheel  on  the  market  to-day.  This  is  not  an  idle  boast  ; 
it  is  a  simple  fact  that  is  being  demonstrated  every  day  in  a  thousand  towns  and 
cities  where  the  Belvidere  wheel  is  ridden.  A  strong  wheel,  a  beautiful  wheel,  an 
honest  wheel,  a,  Jin  de  siecle  wheel  in  every  particular— it  leads  them  all. 

For  the  manufacture  of  bicycle  parts  over  $100,000  worth  of  new  automa- 
tic machinery  has  just  been  added  to  the  plant.  This  is  all  of  the  latest  and  most 
approved  pattern,  and  turns  out  the  most  delicate  parts  with  an  accuracy  and  speed 
that  is  simply  marvelous.  The  modus  operandi  of  this  machinery  is  wonderful, 
and  these  quietly  running  combinations  of  wheels  and  drills  and  cutting  tools,  as 
they  produce  the  finished  product,  seem  possessed  of  almost  human  intelligence. 


52 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


THE     PLANT    IN     GENERAL. 

A  DETAILED  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  AUXILIARY  FEATURES  OF  THE  FACTORY. 

The  plant  of  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company  is  composed  of  thirteen 
different  buildings,  covering  eight  acres,  with  six  acres  of  floor  space,  amounting 
to  nearly  250,000  square  feet.  These  buildings,  while  used  for  separate  and  dis- 
tinct purposes,  are  in  reality  one  great  building,  joined  together  for  convenience 
sake.  Altogether  they  would  make  a  building  4350x40  feet,  one  story  in  height. 
Something  of  the  immensity  of  the  plant  may  be  had  from  this  comparison. 

Aside   from  the   large  building  just  completed  the  Company  erected  another 


THE  AUTOMATIC  SCREW  MACHINES. 

Wonders  of  modern  invention.     In  this  room  over  seventy  in  operation. 
NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

structure  on  the  grounds,  150x75  feet  and  two  stories  in  height,  to  which  the  japan 
and  enameling  department  were  transferred  as  soon  as  it  was  finished.  In  addition 
to  this  a  new  boiler  house  has  just  been  built  and  several  new  boilers  also  put  in. 

In  round  numbers  the  total  cost  of  building  improvements  made  last  year  will 
be  fully  $100,000. 

NUMBER     OF     EMPLOYES. 

The  working  force  now  numbers  over  1,200.  In  this  connection  is  a  note- 
worthy fact ;  the  average  pay  of  these  men  is  greater  than  that  received  by  any 
other  manufacturing  concern  in  the  state  of  Illinois,  which  assertion  can  be  proven 
by  referring  to  statistics  bearing  upon  this  point,  and  explains  in  a  measure  why 
the  Company  each  week  receives  hundreds  of  applications  from  men  desirous  of 
obtaining  work  in  the  factory. 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


53 


So  closely  interwoven  are  the  two  branches  of  manufacture  in  this  establish- 
ment that  no  certain  figures  can  be  given  as  to  the  number  of  men  employed  re- 
spectively on  sewing  machine  and  bicycle  work,  from  the  fact  that  in  nearly  every 
department  the  same  men  are  engaged  on  both  kinds  of  work. 

HARD    TIMES     NOT     FELT. 

The  best  evidence  of  the  prosperous  condition  of  the  Company's  affairs,  and 
the  indisputable  wisdom  of  Mr.  Eldredge's  business  policy  at  all  times  and  under 
all  circumstances  is  to  be  had  from  the  fact  that  during  the  business  depression 
and  financial  panic  of  '93  and  '94,  when  on  every  hand  were  failures,  and  industries 


WEST  END  OF   AUTOMATIC   SCREW  ROOM. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

shutting  down,  and  hard  times,  the  National  Sewing  Machine  factory  continued  to 
"do  business  at  the  old  stand,"  with  no  interruption  worth  mentioning,  and  fur- 
nished employment  for  600  men.  While  all  around  us  was  suffering  and  hard- 
ships such  as  the  people  of  this  country  never  before  knew  or  were  ever  called 
upon  to  endure,  Belvidere  was  in  the  midst  of  peace  and  plenty  and  scarcely 
felt  the  effects  of  the  hard  times.  This  enviable  state  of  affairs  was  directly  due 
to  the  healthful  condition  of  the  company's  business  and  the  wise  judgment  of  the 
men  at  its  head  in  a  time  when  the  present  gave  no  certainty  and  the  future  bore 
no  confident  promise.  Had  the  factory  been  compelled  to  shut  down  during  those 
never  to-be  forgotten  hard  times  Belvidere  would  have  received  a  touch  of  the  then 
prevalent  "depression"  that  it  would  never  have  forgotten,  but  which,  let  us  be 
thankful  a  thousand  times  over  to  the  success  of  our  chief  industry,  it  was 
spared. 


54 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


WHO     OWNS     THE     STOCK. 

The  stock  of  this  vast  business  is  all  owned  by  persons  in  Belvidere.  About 
75  per  cent  is  held  by  B.  Eldredge,  Mrs.  B.  Eldredge,  F.  P.  Eldredge  and  Mrs.  F. 
P.  Eldredge.  The  remaining  25  per  cent  is  held  by  parties  connected  with  the 
factory  and  outside  prominent  citizens.  Just  what  premium  the  stock  commands 
it  is  hard  to  state,  but  it  is  fully  or  even  more  than  100  per  cent.  The  quickest 
and  perhaps  the  surest  way  of  finding  out  is  to  approach  a  stockholder  and  attempt 
to  purchase  a  smairblock.  The  Company  is  capitalized  at  £500, 000,  with  $350,- 
000  paid  in,  and  a  working  capital  of  $1,000,000. 


SECTION  OF  THE   BIG   FOUNDRY. 

NATIONAL   SEWING   MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO   BY   CLARK   A   NOTT. 


FIRE     PROTECTION. 

The  factory  is  furnished  with  an  elaborate  and  complete  system  of  fire  protec- 
tion. It  is  equipped  throughout  with  the  Grinnell  Automatic.  Fire  Sprinkler  sys- 
tem—  an  arrangement  of  pipes  overhead  with  a  sprinkler  every  ten  feet  in  each 
direction,  so  constructed  that  should  a  fire  start  in  any  part  of  the  building,  as  soon 
as  the  heat  reaches  155  degrees  it  melts  certain  parts  and  sets  the  sprinklers  thus 
affected  by  the  heat  to  working  automatically,  drowning  out  the  blaze  in  short 
order.  An  automatic  gong  also  tells  the  location  of  the  fire.  In  addition  to  this 
the  plant  is  equipped  with  another  complete  system  of  fire  protection  in  the  shape 
of  a  network  of  pipes  from  the  city  water-works  on  the  grounds,  with  hydrants, 
water  plugs,  hose  and  all  other  fire-fighting  paraphernalia  that  could  be  called  into 
requisition  in  a  brief  space  of  time  if  necessary.  This  fire  protection  system  is 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


55 


under  the  management  of  the  Superintendent  of  the  Water-works,  E.  E.  Spooner. 
The  factory  also  has  its  own  fire  company  drilled  and  in  readiness  to  fight  any 
flames  that  may  chance  to  break  loose.  So  well  supplied  are  the  grounds  with 
hydrants  that  it  would  hardly  be  possible  in  any  of  the  buildings  to  get  150  feet 
distant  from  one.  Nothing  short  of  a  universal  spontaneous  combustion  or  an  in- 
stantaneous conflagration  in  every  part  of  the  plant  at  once  could  ever  destroy  it, 
so  perfectly  is  it  protected  from  fire. 

•  FINELY   ILLUMINATED. 

The  factory  is  splendidly  lighted  by  both   gas  and  electricity.     The  former 
is  furnished  by  the  Belvidere   Gas  Company,  and  30,000  feet  per  day  is  used  for 


AT  WORK   IN  THE   SEWING   MACHINE  SHIPPING   DEPARTMENT. 

NATIONAL   SEWING   MACHINE  CO. 
PHOTO  BY  CLAftK  A  NOTT. 

illuminating  and  for  purposes  where  great  heat  is  required,  such  as  brazing  bicy- 
cle frames  and  heating  the  enameling  ovens.  The  Company  operates  its  own  elec- 
tric light  plant,  also  a  gas  plant  of  its  own,  and  uses  both  arc  and  incandescent 
lights  in  addition  to  gas,  making  it  altogether  one  of  the  most  brilliantly  illumi- 
nated manufacturing  plants  at  night  in  the  country.  The  factory,  aside  from 
the  offices,  is  heated  by  a  system  of  steam  pipes,  and  an  even  temperature  is  thus 
afforded,  even  in  the  coldest  weather,  making  it  a  comfortable  and  most  desirable 
place  in  which  to  work. 

Two  large  steam  elevators  are  kept  constantly  busy  in  the  new  building. 

TELEPHONE    SERVICE,  ETC. 

Another  great  convenience  of  the  factory  is  that  the  various  departments  are 
connected  by  telephone.      It  is  also  supplied  by  the  local  telephone  exchange  and  a 


56 


BELVIDEKE   ILLUSTRATED. 


long-distance  telephone  runs   into   the   main  office,  so   that  Mr.  Eldredge  can  as 
easily  talk  with  New  York  as  with  Chicago. 

A  private  wire  from  the  Western  Union  Telegraph  Company  runs  into  the 
main  office  and  here  all  the  company's  messages  are  received  and  transmitted  by 
their  own  special  operator.  In  the  bicycle  season  this  is  a  very  important  point, 


A   GLIMPSE  INTO  THE  MAMMOTH  DEPARTMENT  WHERE   BICYCLES 

ARE  ASSEMBLED. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

for  then  two  dozen  or  more  messages  are  received  daily  on  matters  pertaining  to 
the  business  and  requiring  immediate  attention. 

The  Company  has  absolutely  left  undone  nothing  that  will  in  any  way  facili- 
tate the  transaction  of  business  and  tend  to  give  the  greatest  satisfaction  all 
around. 

Some  idea  of  the  amount  of  business  which  is  annually  transacted  in  the  estab- 
lishment may  be  gleaned  from  the  fact  that  it  now  pays  Uncle  Sam  over  $6,000 
per  year  through  the  Belvidere  postoffice  for  stamps  and  other  postal  supplies  -r- 
one-half  the  entire  receipts  of  the  office. 


BELVIDKRE   ILLUSTRATED. 


57 


AS  TO   ADVERTISING. 

The  citizens  of  Belvidere  may  not  realize  the  fact,  but  this  is  one  of  the  best 
and  most  thoroughly  advertised  cities  in  the  United  States  to-day.  For  the  past 
nine  years  the  Company  has  been  sending  out  circulars,  pamphlets  and  catalogues 
to  individuals  and  firms  in  every  city,  town,  hamlet  and  cross-roads  in  this  broad 
land  of  ours,  not  only  once,  but  time  and  again — a  constant  stream  of  advertising 
matter  going  out  incessantly,  making  their  business  more  extensively  known,  win- 
ning thousands  of  new  customers  and  at  the  same  time  spreading  the  fame  of  Bel- 
videre. In  addition  to  this  they  advertise  at  the  present  time  in  no  less  than  1,500 
journals  of  greater  or  less  importance,  from  the  2x4  sheet  in  the  wilds  of  Texas  to 


A   SECTION  OF  THE  BICYCLE  ENAMELING   DEPARTMENT. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

'    PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

the  great  metropolitan  dailies,  including  an  intermediate  list  of  scores  of  trade 
journals  and  magazines.  This  broad  and  extensive  system  of  advertising  the  Com- 
pany has  not  pursued  by  spells;  they  have  kept  everlastingly  at  it,  and  are  still 
"  pounding  away  "  in  this  direction,  believing  that  the  "  constant  advertiser  is  the 
one  who  wins  the  trade."  Thus  we  say  that  to-day  Belvidere  is  one  of  the  most 
widely  known  little  cities  in  the  country,  and  this  condition  is  directly  due  to  the 
unceasing  efforts  of  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company.  To  see  the  beneficial 
effects  we  need  not  look  beyond  the  confines  of  our  own  favored  city;  we  need  but 
to  visit  the  factory  and  look  around  at  the  manifold  evidences  of  prosperity  within 
our  borders. 

The  Company  has  representatives  and  agents  in  nearly  every  town  and  city  in 
the  United  States;  and  not  alone  in  this  country  is  their  product  known  and  used 
—  iu  foreign  lands  thousands  of  their  sewing  machines  especially  are  in  use  at  the 


58 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


present   time.      They  employ  constantly  three   traveling  men  to  look   after  their 
interests. 

SANITARY    FEATURES. 

The  sanitary  features  of  the  factory  are  as  near  perfect  as  it  is  possible  to 
secure  in  an  establishment  of  this  size.  The  drainage  and  ventilation  are  both 
excellent,  the  light  is  good  and  plenty  of  fresh  air  is  always  to  be  had.  On  every 
hand,  from  the  tool  room  to  the  foundry,  from  the  private  offices  to  the  engine 
room  are  exemplified  order,  neatness  and  cleanliness  in  matters  small  and  great. 
These  points  President  Eldredge  strenuously  insists  on  being  observed  by  the 
employes,  and  are  qualities  characteristic  of  the  man.  He  believes  in  '"looking 


BICYCLE  FRAME  AND  FILING  ROOM  IN  BICYCLE   DEPARTMENT. 

NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

after  the  little  foxes."  A  walk  through  the  plant  (which,  by  the  way,  consumes 
a  full  half  day)  will  unfold  to  the  visitor  one  of  the  most  systematic  working  fac- 
tories in  the  world,  and  show  with  what  religious  zeal  is  the  adage,  "a  place  for 
everything  and  everything  in  its  place,"  adhered  to  by  the  hundreds  of  employes. 

DIFFERENT  DEPARTMENTS. 

WHAT  THEY  ARE,  WHO  IS  THE  FOREMAN  OF  EACH,  AND  HOW  MANY  MEN  ARE 

EMPLOYED. 

To  carry  on  the  business  of  this  factory  it  requires  the  co-operation  of  fifteen 
separate  and  distinct  departments,  as  follows: 

Department   No.  1 — Tool.      Chai-les  M.  Ingalls,    foreman;    employs    36  men. 

Department  No.  2— Milling  and  Drilling.  Frank  \V.  (Jrain,  foreman; 
employs  138  men. 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


59 


Department  No.  3- 
Department  No.  4- 
Department  No.  5- 
Department  No.  6- 

58  men. 

Department  No.  7- 

97  men. 

Department  No.  8 

employs  86  men. 

Department  No.  9- 


-Shipping.  E.  E.  Manning,  foreman;  employs  57  men. 
-Polishing.  L.  M.  Bo ts ford,  foreman;  employs  143  men. 
-Plating.  George  M.  Elliott,  foreman;  employs  38  men. 
-Press  and  Stand.  H.  L.  Haywood,  foreman;  employs 

Japan  and  Enameling.  R.  II.  Jukes,  foreman;  employs 
Sewing  Machine  Assembling.  E.  L.  Barton,  foreman; 
-Screw.  W.  L.  Carpenter,  foreman;  employs  106  men. 


VIEW   IN  FRAME  ROOM   OF   BICYCLE   DEPARTMENT. 

NATIONAL   t-EWIXG  MACHINE  CO. 
'PHOTO  BY  CI.ARK  A  XOTT. 

Department  No.  10 — Stock  and  Inspection.  G.  W.  Boale,  foreman;  employs 
28  men. 

Department  11 — Bicycle  Assembly.  Walter  J.  Adams,  foreman;  employs  83 
men. 

Department  No.  12 — Attachment  and  Shuttle.  H.  Walter  Davis,  foreman; 
employs  76  men. 

Department  No.  13 — Bicycle  Frame.  W.  C.  Wright,  foreman;  employs  123 
men. 

Department  No.  14 — Foundry.  W.  II.  Moore,  superintendent;  employs  110 
men. 

Department  No.  15 — Chain  and  Pedal.     Employs  59  men. 

Department  No.  16 — Bicycle  Enameling.  A.  II.  Arthur,  foreman;  employs 
100  men. 


60 


BELVI DERK    ILLUSTRATED. 


This  makes  a  total  of  1,338  men  employed  in  these  departments.  Add  to 
these  the  40  office  hands  and  it  gives  a  total  of  1,378  persons  employed  in  this 
busy  hive  of  industry  —  a  city  of  itself. 

IN    CONCLUSION. 

However  much  we  would  desire  to  give  a  detailed  description  of  the  technical 
workings  of  the  numerous  processes  of  manufacture  in  the  different  departments  it 
is  impossible  for  us  to  do  sous  in  this  space.  A  general  "  write-up  "  is  one  thing; 
a  comprehensive  treatise  quite  another.  To  properly  describe  the  countless  evo- 
lutions through  which  the  many  intricate  parts  used  in  building  sewing  machines 
and  bicycles  go  before  coming  out  the  finished  product  would  enlist  the  greatest 


VIEW  OF  CHAIN  AND  PEDAL  ROOM,  BICYCLE  DEPARTMENT. 

NATIONAL   SEWING   MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY   CLARK  &  NOTT. 

effort  of  even  a  "Philadelphia  lawyer,"  and  the  subject  matter  fill  a  book.  The 
writer  is  no  "  Philadelphia  lawyer,"  nor  yet  a  master  mechanic.  A  visit  to  the 
plant  will  be  productive  of  more  knowledge  in  this  direction  than  could  ever  be 
gleaned  from  any  written  description. 

In  thus  briefly  speaking  of  the  National  Sewing  Machine  factory  —  its  past  his- 
tory, its  present  condition  and  future  prospects  —  we  have  adhered  strictly  to  facts, 
believing  that  an  honest  statement  of  the  Company's  business  and  plant  as  it  actually 
exists  to-day  were  better  than  all  the  fulsome  praise  or  wild  exaggerations  in  the 
world;  that  it  will  better  subserve  the  interests  of  the  Company  and  greater  redound 
to  the  credit  of  Belvidere.  Tremendous  in  all  its  operations  little  enough  can  be 
said  in  exaltation  of  this  mammoth  enterprise.  The  more  one  looks  into  the  his- 
torv  of  the  concern  and  learns  of  its  methodical,  straightforward  and  thorough 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


61 


manner  of  doing  business  the  more  is  one  inclined  to  become  lost  in  enthusiastic 
admiration  of  its  internecine  fabric  and  workings,  and  in  its  completeness  recog- 
nize the  hand  of  genius,  the  distinctive  impress  of  great  generalship  and  the  cer- 
tain evidence  at  every  turn  of  a  broad,  comprehensive  master-mind. 

Well  may  the  people  of  Belvidere  be  proud  of  this  grand  industrial  institu- 
tion and  zealously  should  they  guard  its  every  interest.  So  long  as  from  its  tower- 
ing chimneys  rolls  the  dense  smoke  —  sweet  incense  to  the  god  of  Industry,  signi- 
fying its  prosperous  continuation —  so  long  is  our  city's  future  thrift  assured,  so 
long  will  our  fame  throughout  the  world  be  known  as  a  great  manufacturing  cen- 
ter, so  long  will  it  be  the  palladium  of  Belvidere's  commercial  success.  May  its 


LOWER  FLOOR  OF  BICYCLE  FRAME  ENAMELING  ROOM. 

NATIONAL   SEWING   MACHINE  CO. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 


shadow  never  grow  less  and  may  its  conquests  in  the  sewing  machine  and  bicycle 
world  never  cease  until  "all  roads  lead  to  Belvidere." 

During  the  year  1896  several  large  additions  will  be  built.  On  May  1  work 
was  begun  on  a  new  building  which  is  to  be  250  feet  by  50  feet  and  two  stories. 
This  will  be  fire-proof  and  will  be  used  principally  as  a  stock  room.  It  will  cost 
about  $20,000.  Besides  this  a  larger,  three  story,  addition  will  be  erected  to  the 
enameling  building.  The  Company  has  just  completed  a  gas  plant  of  its  own  and 
is  about  to  build  another  brick  engine  house  and  put  in  another  400  horse  power 
engine,  giving  it  two  engines  of  that  size.  This  spring  the  factory  has  been  running 
night  and  day  to  fill  orders  for  both  sewing  machines  and  bicycles.  Verily,  great 
is  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company. 


62 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


BARNABAS  ELDREDGE. 

A  BRIEF  SKETCH  OF  THIS  BUSY  MAN'S  LIFE  AND  OF  THE  EARLY  ELDREDGE  FAMILY. 

We  are  told  that  Edward,  Zenas  and  Asael  Eldredge  came  to  this  country 
from  Wales  in  their  youth  and  settled  at  Cape  Cod,  Mass.  How  long  they 
remained  there  is  not  known.  We  know  that  Edward  moved  to  Sharon,  N.  Y., 
in  after  years,  while  the  other  brothers  sought  homes  in  Connecticut.  To  the 
Edward  Eldredge  branch  of  the  family,  and  the  one  of  which  we  shall  speak, 
Barnabas  Eldredge,  of  Belvidere,  President  of  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Com- 
pany, traces  his  ancestors. 


BICYCLE   INSPECTION  ROOM. 

NATIONAL   DEWING  MACHINE  CO. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 

Edward  Eldredge  was  born  September  9,  1737.  He  died  March  28,  1821,  in 
Sharon,  Schoharie  county,  N.  Y.  He  married  Adna  Hammond  in  Massachusetts, 
December  19,  1762.  She  was  born  in  Dartsmouth,  Mass.,  May  25,  1735,  and  died 
in  Sharon,  N.  Y.,  December  23,  1825.  She  was  one  of  the  family  of  Hon.  Jabez  D. 
Hammond,  later  the  author  of  "The  Political  History  of  New  York."  EdwTard 
and  Adna  Eldredge  had  nine  children,  six  sons  and  three  daughters;  one  son  died 
in  infancy.  The  five  brothers  at  one  time  all  lived  on  farms  adjoining,  near 
Sharon,  N.  Y.  -When  they  separated  two  of  them  went  to  Cortland,  N.  Y.,  one 
to  western  New  York,  and  two  remained  at  Sharon. 

The  third  son,  Barnabas  Eldredge,  was  born  September  29,  1768.    He  died 
Sharon,  N.  Y.,  September  5,  1843.   He  married  Theodosia  Wadsworth,  soon 
the  Revolutionary  war,  in  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.,  where  she  then  lived.     Sb 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


63 


daughter  of  Josiah  Wadswortb,  formerly  of  Hartford,  Conn.,  where  she  was  born. 
She  died  in  Sharon,  X.  Y.,  May  30,  1831,  aged  59  years.  In  June,  1832,  he  mar- 
ried his  second  wife,  Sarah  Peck.  She  died  April  25,  1873,  in  Sharon,  N.  Y.,  aged 
88  years. 

Barnabas  Eldredge  was  a  member  of  the  general  assembly  in  the  state  of  New 
York  in  1821.  His  son,  Robert  Eldredge,  was  a  member  of  the  New  York  state 
assembly  in  1830,  and  his  son,  Seth  Eldredge,  was  a  member  of  the  state  assembly 
in  1844. 

Barnabas  and  Theodosia  Eldredge  had  eleven  children,  vix.:  Nancy,  Robert, 
David,  Adna,  Franklin,  Charles,  Seth,  LeRoy,  Fally,  Clinton  and  Betsy. 


A  SECTION  OF  THE   BICYCLE  STORAGE  AND  CRATING   DEPARTMENT. 

NATIONAL   SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO   BY   CLARK   A   XOTT. 

Franklin  Eldredge  was  born  December  17,  1801,  in  Sharon,  N.  Y.,  the  com- 
munity with  which  several  generations  of  the  family  have  been  prominently 
identified.  November  26,  1822,  he  married  Eliza  M.  Van  Dyke,  a  descendant  of 
Hedrick  Van  Dyke,  who  immigrated  to  this  country  from  Holland  in  1636 — a  dis- 
tinguished character  among  the  early  colonists  of  New  York,  and  the  progenitor 
of  an  illustrious  Knickerbocker  family.  She  was  born  October  3,  1802,  in  Mid- 
dleburg,  N.  Y.,  and  died  August  1,  1879,  in  Chardon,  Ohio.  They  had  twelve 
children.  The  eleventh  child  and  youngest  son  is  Barnabas  Eldredge,  born  June 
19,  1843,  in  Munson,  Geauga  county,  Ohio. 

Franklin  Eldredge  settled  on  a  farm  in  the  western  reserve  of  Ohio,  and  on 
this  farm  B.  Eldredge  was  born  and  brought  up.  lie  received  his  early  education 
in  the  country  schools,  and  worked  on  the  farm  until  1861,  when  he  went  to  Cleve- 
land to  pursue  an  advanced  course  of  study.  Leaving  the  Cleveland  high  school 


64 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


shortly  before  graduation  he  became  connected  with  the  ship-yards  of  Stephens 
&  Presley  as  bookkeeper,  pursuing  at  the  same  time  a  course  of  study  in  a  com- 
mercial college,  from  which  he  graduated. 

On  August  28,  1865,  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  he  married  Marie  A.  Presley, 
daughter  of  the  junior  member  of  the  firm  by  which  he  had  been  employed. 
They  have  one  son,  Franklin  P.  Eldredge,  born  January  26,  1867,  in  Cleveland, 
Ohio. 

Shortly  after  his  marriage  Mr.  Eldredge  engaged  in  the  hardware  business  in 
Cleveland  as  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Van  Tassel  &  Eldredge.  It  was  while 
engaged  in  this  business  that  his  attention  was  first  attracted  to  the  sewing  machine 


HOSPITAL    DEPARTMENT. 

(Very  few  cases  treated  each  year.) 
NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

trade.  He  had  a  brother  in  Detroit,  Mich.,  who  was  engaged  on  an  extensive 
scale  in  the  sale  of  sewing  machines,  and  in  1866  he  became  interested  with  the 
latter  in  this  business.  In  1869  he  sold  out  his  hardware  business  in  Cleveland 
and  moved  to  Detroit  to  become  an  active  partner  in  the  conduct  and  management 
of  the  sewing  machine  business.  Their  trade  here  extended  over  a  large  territory 
and  they  had  remarkable  success  in  establishing  the  business  of  the  Domestic  Sew- 
ing Machine  Company,  then  being  introduced  into  the  market.  Remaining  at 
Detroit  until  1874,  Mr.  Eldredge  then  came  to  Chicago  as  the  general  manager  of 
the  Domestic  Company,  having  under  his  control  all  the  territory  lying  between 
the  western  line  of  Ohio  and  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  all  the  Southern  States. 
This  position  he  retained  until  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  manufacture  and  sale 
of  his  own  machine. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


65 


Something  has  already  been  said  of  the  fierce  opposition  which  he  encoun- 
tered in  his  attempt  to  introduce  this  machine  into  the  market.  The  most  vicious 
onslaughts  were  made  on  him,  however,  at  the  very  outset  of  his  career  as  a  manu- 
facturer. Infringement  suits  were  brought  against  him  whenever  a  pretext  could 
be  obtained  for  doing  so,  and  to  defend  against  these  suits  involved  great  expense, 
and  led  to  the  serious  embarrassment  of  his  business. 

In  the  construction  of  his  machine,  he  had  made  use  of  certain  appliances  of 
which  rival  concerns  at  once  claimed  the  ownership  and  control.  To  establish  the 
fact  that  their  claims  were  invalid,  Mr.  Eldredge  had  to  hunt  the  country  over  for 
evidences  of  the  fact  that  their  appliances  had  been  in  use  before  they  were 
patented  by  the  claimants.  All  over  the  United  States  he  had  agents  examining 
old  sewing  machines  and  reporting  to  him  the  results  of  their  investigations.  In 


RESIDENCE  OF  B.  ELDREDGE. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 

one  instance  he  heard  of  a  machine  which  he  desired  to  produce  in  court,  it  being  in 
the  possession  of  parties  who  lived  in  Hamilton,  Canada.  The  information  proved 
to  be  incorrect,  but  from  clews  obtained  in  Hamilton  he  traced  the  machine  to 
Rochester,  New  York,  where  he  finally  gained  possession  of  it,  much  to  his 
advantage,  and  won  the  case  in  the  impending  litigation.  In  another  instance 
while  defending  a  suit  brought  against  him  by  the  Singer  Manufacturing  Company, 
he  heard  of  an  old  machine  of  which  he  wished  to  obtain  possession,  at  Redwood, 
California.  A  telegram  was  sent  to  San  Francisco,  and  a  special  agent  went  out 
from  there  to  purchase  the  machine.  The  agent  acted  promptly  and  got  hold  of 
it  just  in  time  to  prevent  it  passing  into  the  hands  of  the  Singer  Company,  and 
with  this  machine  he  defeated  the  latter  in  the  case  on  trial. 

In  this  spirited  and  long  continued  contest  Mr.  Eldredge  showed  wonderful 
persistency,  tenacity  of  purpose  and  indomitable  courage,  as  well  as  a  vast  amount 
of  tact  in  the  conduct  of  his  affairs.  These  were  the  qualities  most  essential  to  his 
success  at  that  time,  but  when  he  had  weathered  these  storms,  and  was  left  free  to 
give  his  attention  to  the  development  of  the  industry  with  which  he  was  and  still 


66  BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 

is,  so  conspicuously  identified,  it  at  once  became  apparent  that  be  bad  executive 
ability  of  a  bigb  order  and  was  eminently  fitted  for  carrying  forward  the  work  on 
hand.  The  subsequent  success  of  the  enterprise  testifies  more  strongly  than  can 
anything  else  to  the  skill  and  ability  with  which  he  has  conducted  its  affairs. 

In  the  management  and  building  up  of  the  bicycle  business  Mr.  Eldredge  has 
exhibited  the  same  progressiveness,  the  same  ability  of  organization  and  excellent 
judgment  that  has  marked  his  business  career  from  the  first.  He  has  boldly  entered 
the  field  and  accomplished  in  an  almost  incredibly  short  space  of  time,  in  the  face 
of  sharpest  competition,  what  it  has  taken  others  years  to  perform,  and  what  no 
other  man  or  men  ever  before  did  in  the  same  length  of  time  in  the  same  line  of 
trade.  This  in  itself  speaks  more  for  his  capability  and  business  faculty  than  all 
else  that  we  might  write.  And  in  this  very  particular  is  one  of  the  leading  char- 
acteristics of  Mr.  Eldredge's  personality  manifest — he  modestly  disclaims  any 
special  honor  in  having  made  his  business  the  great  success  it  now  is,  and  seeks  no 
fame  in  this  direction. 

As  Grant  was  great  in  Avar,  as  Blaine  was  great  in  politics,  so  is  Mr.  Eldredge 
great  in  the  commercial  world — a  born  leader.  Though  energetic  and  progressive 
in  the  highest  degree  he  is  likewise  cautious  and  conservative — just  the  man  for  the 
responsible  position  he  occupies.  In  his  comprehension  and  treatment  of  all  ques- 
tions and  matters  of  business  he  is  broad-gauged  and  broad-minded,  a  man  of  the 
greatest  acumen  and  wonderful  executive  capacity.  Honorable  in  all  things,  of 
strictest  integrity,  approachable  and  socially  agreeable,  he  commands  the  respect 
and  esteem  of  his  business  colleagues,  employes  and  fellow-citizens,  and  stands 
today  a  living  example  of  what  heroic  determination  and  fortitude  may  do  when 
coupled  with  brains  and  a  fixedness  of  purpose.  And  through  all  these  years  of 
toil  and  planning,  of  ceaseless  endeavor  and  accomplishment,  Mr.  Eldredge  has 
come  to  know  and  realize  that  "nothing  succeeds  like  success,"  and  the  quickest 
and  only  way  to  do  a  thing  is  to  do  it. 

THE  OTHER  OFFICERS. 

SOMETHING  ABOUT  VICE-PRESIDENT  ELDREDGE  AND  SECRETARY  PATTON. 

Without  more  than  a  passing  mention  of  the  other  officers  of  the  Company — 
the  gentlemen  above  referred  to — this  article  would  be  woefully  incomplete,  as 
their  identification  with  the  industry  has  been  and  is  of  such  a  nature  that  they 
form  a  part  of  its  very  life-blood,  and  are  important  factors  in  all  its  dealings. 

Vice-President  F.  P.  Eldredge,  the  son  of  President  Eldredge,  was  born  in 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  January  26,  1867.  His  early  life  was  spent  in  that  city  and  in 
Detroit,  Michigan,  where  his  father  was  engaged  in  business.  There  he  passed 
through  the  trials  of  youth.  In  1874  he  moved  with  his  parents  to  Chicago  and  there 
received  his  early  schooling  at  the  Harvard  school.  He  completed  his  education  at 
the  Harvard  law  school  in  Boston,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1887.  In  January, 
1888,  he  came  to  Belvidere  to  reside  permanently  and  to  take  an  active  interest  in 
the  affairs  of  the  National  Company.  Upon  the  reorganization  of  the  Company  in 
1890  he- was  elected  vice-president,  and  the  wisdom  of  this  choice  has  been  repeat- 
edly shown,  for  he  has  proven  himself  equal  to  any  and  all  demands  made  upon 
him,  even  under  the  most  trying  circumstances.  With  a  zeal  born  of  patriotic 
enthusiasm  he  has  acquired  a  complete  knowledge  of  every  nook,  corner  and  turn 
in  this  great  plant  and  possesses  an  understanding  of  its  every  division  and  infinite 
detail  that  is  little  short  of  amazing.  No  feature  of  the  business  within  or  with- 
out the  factory  is  there  but  that  he  has  familiarized  himself  with  and  has  it  at  his 
tongue's  end.  Next  to  his  father  his  opinion,  judgment,  sanction  and  advice  is 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED.  67 

most  sought.  He  is  the  counterpart  of  his  father  in  all  of  his  traits,  characteris- 
tics and  in  manner  of  doing  business.  No  higher  compliment  can  be  paid  him 
than  that  simple  statement.  He  is  finely  educated,  versatile,  brilliant  and  withal 
a  "  prince  of  good  fellows " — one  of  the  salt  of  the  earth.  Though  young  in 
years  Mr.  Eldredge  carries  an  old  business  head,  and  his  capabilities  of  execution 
in  this  direction  are  only  measured  by  the  requirements  that  may  be  made  upon 
him.  Mr.  Eldredge  is  a  prominent  Mason,  a  Mystic  Shriner  and  a  member  of 
Medinah  Temple,  Chicago,  and  also  of  the  Harvard  club,  of  the  same  city. 

Secretary  David  Patton  was  born  in  Glasslough,  near  Belfast,  Ireland, 
February  8,  1861.  With  his  parents  he  came  to  this  country  in  1868  and  settled  in 
Chicago,  where  he  received  his  early  education  in  the  high  schools.  Until  coming 
to  Belvidere  in  1889  nearly  his  whole  life  had  been  spent  in  that  city.  He  has  been 
associated  with  B.  Eldredge  in  the  sewing  machine  business  continually  since  1876 
— nearly  twenty  years — and  has  been  indefatigable  in  his  efforts  in  building  up  the 
business  of  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company  to  its  present  proportions.  He 
is  fiancially  interested  in  the  enterprise  and  no  man  connected  with  it  is  more  zeal- 
ous in  looking  after  the  "  main  chance,"  or  exhibits  greater  fidelity  in  all  matters 
concerning  it  than  does  Secretary  Patton.  His  years  of  experience  in  the  sewing 
machine  business,  gained  through  his  association  with  Mr.  Eldredge,  and  in  par- 
ticular regarding  the  affairs  of  this  Company,  make  him  an  invaluable  adjunct  to 
its  successful  conduct — indispensable  would  better  express  it,  for  he  literally  has 
the  details  of  the  business,  inside  and  out,  from  A  to  Z,  within  his  grasp.  In  his 
present  capacity  this  wide  knowledge  is  of  the  greatest  value  and  assistance  to  him 
in  the  performance  of  his  duties,  and  they  are  many.  Like  the  Messrs.  Eldredge 
he  is  most  emphatically  the  man  for  the  important  position  he  occupies.  Mr. 
Patton  is  an  advanced  Mason,  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  Royal 
Arcanum,  and  socially  a  "hale  fellow  well  met." 


AN    IMPORTANT  INDUSTRY. 

What  is  now  an  important  industry  and  bids  fair  to  become  a  still  larger  one, 
is  the  Cleaveland  Spring  Bed  and  Mattress  Company.  It  is  next  in  importance  to 
the  big  plant  of  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company.  Although  President  E. 
A.  Cleaveland  has  been  manufacturing  spring  beds  in  Belvidere  since  1881,  the 
present  concern  is  a  new  one,  the  plant  having  been  erected  and  the  company 


E.  A.  CLEAVELAND. 

organized  by  Mr.  Cleaveland  in  1890.  It  has  a  capital  stock  of  115,000,  fully 
paid,  and  its  officers  are  as  follows:  E.  A.  Cleaveland,  president;  A.  C.  Fassett, 
vice-president;  J.  W.  Sharp,  secretary,  and  A.  E.  Loop,  treasurer.  Vice-presi- 
dent Fassett  is  the  county's  efficient  circuit  clerk;  Treasurer  Loop  is  cashier  of  the 
First  National  Bank,  while  Secretary  Sharp  is  a  leading  grocery  dealer. 

The  factory  is  thoroughly  equipped  with  all  the  expensive  and  intricate 
machinery  necessary  for  the  work.  It  is  operated  by  steam  power,  and  an  average 
of  twenty-five  workmen  are  given  employment.  The  product  consists  of  coil  spring 
beds,  woven  wire  mattresses,  cots  and  children's  cribs,  and  the  concern  turns  out 
some  of  the  most  acceptable,  popular  and  rapidly  selling  goods  now  on  the  markets 
of  the  country.  Mr.  Cleaveland  has  just  invented  a  new  and  novel  device  which 
does  away  with  many  complications  in  folding  cots  and  cribs.  A  small  inven- 
tion, yet  it  promises  to  greatly  enlarge  the  business,  as  it  is  much  more  simple  in 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


69 


construction  than  any  other,  more  easily  operated,  and  much  neater  in  design. 
The  factory  has  a  capacity  of  200  beds  per  day,  and  a  great  many  different  styles 
are  manufactured.  Competent  judges  affirm  that  the  Cleaveland  Spring  Bed  and 
Mattress  Company  turn  out  the  finest  line  of  goods  on  the  market  to-day. 

Mr.  Cleaveland  has  a  long  and  highly  creditable  record  as  a  manufacturer. 
Born  in  Livingston  county,  New  York,  in  1850,  he  came  to  Boone  county  in  1866, 
and  has  been  a  resident  of  Belvidere  seventeen  years.  He  belongs  to  that  class  of 
men  known  as  city-builders,  and  his  coming  to  Belvidere  was  a  fortunate  circum- 
stance, since,  with  others,  he  placed  his  shoulder  to  the  wheel  and  roused  the  city 
from  its  state  of  lethargy  to  the  present  phenomenal  prosperity.  He  served  four 
years  as  alderman  at  the  time  that  the  city  water-works  were  completed,  and  also 


CLEAVELAND   SPRING   BED  FACTORY. 


PHOTO   BY   W.    H.    ROBINSON. 


the  same  length  of  time  on  the  board  of  education.  He  has  ever  been  one  of  the 
city's  most  enterprising  and  pushing  business  men.  His  real  estate  interests  are 
large.  Much  credit  should  be  given  to  Mr.  Cleaveland,  and  the  efficient  board  of 
directors  of  the  company,  for  the  careful  way  in  which  the  business  has  been  man- 
aged, for  it  must  be  taken  into  consideration  that  the  company  was  organized  and 
commenced  business  at  the  time  that  the  financial  troubles  were  just  beginning,  and 
while  other  factories  all  over  the  country  were  being  closed  the  Cleaveland  Spring 
Bed  and  Mattress  Company  never  shut  down  a  day  and  met  every  obligation 
promptly.  This  could  never  have  been  done  only  by  careful  management.  And 
while  the  company  does  not  boast  of  doing  as  large  a  business  as  others  who  have 
a  much  larger  working  capital  it  is  doing  a  steady,  safe  business,  and  its  share 
toward  the  prosperity  and  welfare  of  the  city  of  Belvidere. 


70  BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


GENERAL  ALLEN   C.  FULLER. 

General  Allen  C.  Fuller  was  born  at  Farmingham,  Conn.,  September 22,  A.D. 

1822.  His  father's  name  was  Lucius  Fuller  and  his  mother's  maiden  name  was 
Candace  Newell,  and  both  families  were  of  New  England  blood.  Both  parents 
were  for  many  years  among  our  old  settlers,  having  come  to  this  country  in  1845, 
and  both  died  several  years  since  in  this  city.  Lucius  Fuller  was  for  a  short  time 
in  the  mercantile  business;  was  at  one  time  associate  judge  of  the  County  court, 
and  afterwards  postmaster  of  Belvidere.  Our  early  settlers  will  remember  this 
aged  couple  as  among  the  most  highly  respected  and  public  spirited  citizens. 

General  Fuller  was  educated  in  Towanda,  Pa.  After  graduating  at  the 
To  wand  a  academy  he  was  placed  under  the  instructions  of  a  thoroughly  educated 
private  instructor,  and  under  whom  he  completed  the  full  course  of  collegiate 
study.  In  1841  he  commenced  his  law  studies,  and  completed  the  same  at  War- 
saw, N.  Y.,  in  the  office  of  the  United  States  Senator  Doolittle,  in  1846,  when  he 
was  admitted  to  the  Supreme  court  of  New  York,  and  in  November  of  that  year 
(1846)  arrived  at  Belvidere,  where  he  has  resided  since  that  time,  now  nearly  fifty 
years. 

Within  a  few  days  after  coming  to  this  city  General  Fuller  was  employed  in 
several  important  cases,  and  entered  upon  the  active  duties  of  his  profession.  At 
this  time  our  population  was  about  800,  and  there  were  but  two  attorneys  here  in 
active  practice,  Gen.  S.  A.  Hurlbut  and  W.  T.  Burgess.  Soon  after  the  firms 
of  "Fuller  &  Burgess"  and  "Loop  &  Hurlbut"  were  formed.  These  firms  con- 
tinued for  several  years  and  did  a  large  business.  Between  these  firms  it  was 
"  Greek  against  Greek,"  and  they  not  only  had  the  business  of  this  county, 
but  were  extensively  employed  in  litigation  in  neighboring  counties  and  the 
Supreme  court. 

Devoting  himself  entirely  to  his  profession  for  many  years,  refusing  to  seek 
office  or  participating  in  party  intrigues,  and  with  an  iron  constitution  and  indom- 
itable will,  he  secured  and  held  a  large  and  pi'otitable  practice  for  many  years. 
This  was  the  commencement  of  his  subsequent  financial  success. 

General  Fuller  has  in  later  years  held  the  following  offices:  Master  in  chan- 
cery, appraiser  of  damages  on  Illinois  and  Michigan  canal,  state  bank  commis- 
sioner, county  judge,  circuit  judge,  adjutant  general  of  the  state,  representative 
and  speaker  of  the  house,  senator  and  president  pro  tern  of  the  senate. 

On  his  return  home  from  public  to  private  life  in  1869,  our  "  Old  Reliable 
Belvidere  Standard,"  whose  editor  had  intimately  known  him  for  many  years, 
published  its  opinion  of  Gen.  Fuller,  and  we  copy  from  its  columns  the  following 
article: 

"For  more  than  eighteen  years  the  name  of  Allen  C.  Fuller  has  been  inti- 
mately and  most  favorably  known  to  the  people  of  this  portion  of  the  state.  In 
1846  he  came  to  this  place  a  young,  briefless  and  penniless  lawyer.  His  scholarly 
attainments,  his  legal  acquirements  and  his  industry  and  inflexible  resolution  to 
succeed,  soon  brought  to  him  an  extensive  and  lucrative  practice,  and  during  the 
succeeding  twelve  or  fifteen  years,  while  he  was  in  active  practice,  we  presume 
that  no  man  ever  doubted  that  he  ably,  zealously  and  faithfully  discharged  his 
duties  to  his  clients.  Though  always  public 'spirited  and  liberal,  he  has.  by  per- 
sonal economy  and  business  talent,  acquired  a  handsome  property  and  has  con- 
tributed much  to  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  our  town. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


71 


''When  the  war  broke  out  in  1861,  General  Fuller  was  then  presiding  judge 
of  this  circuit,  and  we  believe  it  was  universally  admitted  that  he  discharged  its 
honorable  and  responsible  duties  satisfactorily  and  with  ability.  In  the  summer 
of  that  year  he  was  urged  by  our  state  officers  to  connect  himself  with  the  military 
affairs  of  our  state.  The  bar  of  the  circuit  unanimously  objected  to  his  resigna- 
tion, but  urged  him.  temporarily  to  accept  the  appointment  tendered  to  him  of 


GENERAL  ALLEN  C.  FULLER. 


adjutant  general.  In  the  fall  of  1861  he  entered  upon  the  discharge  of  the  duties 
of  that  laborious  and  exacting  and  responsible  office,  and  in  July,  1862,  resigned 
the  office  of  circuit  judge. 

"The  history  and  result  of  his  labors  during  the  past  three  years  and  a  half 
as  adjutant  general  of  the  state  are  too  well  known  to  the  country  to  need  to  be 
mentioned  here.  If  the  opinion  of  the  press,  without  distinction  of  party,  we 
believe;  if  the  testimony  of  Governor  Yates,  with  whom  he  has  been  so  long  asso- 
ciated; if  the  public  opinion,  so  far  as  we  have  heard  it  expressed,  are  to  be  relied 
upon,  then,  indeed,  he  has  rendered  the  state  and  country  capable,  faithful  and 


72  BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 

acceptable  service.  The  published  reports  of  the  operations  of  the  adjutant  gen- 
eral's department  in  the  organizing  and  sending  to  the  iield  over  two  hundred 
thousand  men  are  before  us,  and  we  would  wish  no  better  record  than  to  have  been 
so  honorably  identified  with  the  glorious  history  of  Illinois  during  this  war.  Gov- 
ernor Yates  in  his  last  message  repeats  what  he  has  stated  in  other  messages  and 
says:  'General  Fuller  has  been  a  most  able,  faithful  and  energetic  officer,  and  is 
entitled  to  the  gratitude  of  the  state.' 

"The  house  of  representatives,  at  its  last  session,  unanimously  adopted  a  re- 
port of  its  committee  appointed  to  inspect  the  adjutant  general's  office,  and  from 
which  report  we  extract  the  following: 

"  'That  we  have  thoroughly  examined  the  office  of  the  adjutant  general  and 
find  it  a  model  of  completeness,  one  that  preserves  in  all  its  glory  the  proud  record 
of  all  our  soldiery  and  reflects  infinite  credit  upon  the  great  state  whose  sons  they 
are. 

"  'That  in  the  judgment  of  this  committee  the  thanks  of  every  patriotic  citi- 
zen of  the  state  are  due  to  General  Fuller  for  the  able  and  efficient  manner  in 
which  he  has  discharged  the  duties  of  the  office  and  for  his  indefatigable  efforts  in 
collecting  and  preserving  this  glorious  record  of  a  glorious  state.' 

"On  the  first  day  of  January  last  General  Fuller  resigned  his  office  as  adju- 
tant general,  and  having  been  previously  elected  a  member  of  the  general  assembly 
he  was  nominated  by  acclamation  by  our  party,  and  on  the  second  of  January  was 
elected  speaker  of  the  house  of  representatives. 

"The  manner  in  which  he  acquitted  himself  in  this  new  position  may  be  seen 
by  the  following  resolution  which  was  unanimously  adopted  by  that  body  just 
before  the  adjournment  on  the  16th  ult: 

"  '  llcsolvecl,  That  we  tender  our  heartfelt  thanks  to  the  Hon.  Aljen  C.  Fuller, 
our  presiding  officer,  for  the  kind,  courteous,  able  and  impartial  manner  in  which 
he  has  presided  over  us,  and  as  such  recognize  in  his  general  bearing  and  demeanor 
the  perfect  model  of  a  gentleman.' 

"As  a  speaker  of  the  house  of  representatives,  and  while  presiding  officer  of 
the  senate,  General  Fuller  was,  of  course,  prevented  from  actively  participating  in 
the  debates,  but  we  notice  from  the  official  proceedings  that  on  the  subject  of  pri- 
vate legislation  and  the  industrial  university  bill  he  joins  the  discussions,  and  we 
think  our  readers  will  agree  with  us  that  in  the  following  extracts  from  his 
speeches,  which  we  publish  to-day,  his  views  were  sound  and  were  ably  presented. 

"In  conclusion  we  regret  to  say  that  General  Fuller  returns  home  with  his 
health  seriously  impaired,  but  it  may  be  some  consolation  to  him  to  know  that  for 
his  long  and  faithful  service  he  has  acquired  a  high  character  as  a  public  officer, 
and  enjoys  the  universal  confidence  of  his  old  neighbors  and  friends  among  whom 
he  has  resided  so  many  years." 

At  this  distant  day  the  people  of  the  state  may  have  forgotten,  but  it  is  never- 
theless true,  that  they  owe*  General  Fuller  their  lasting  gratitude  for  his  service  in 
introducing  into  the  legislature  various  bills  which  became  laws,  among  which  are 
the  following: 

Railroad  bills  asserting  the  power  and  sovereignty  of  the  state  to  control 
these  corporations  in  fixing  rates  upon  transporting  passengers  and  freight.  His 
was  the  first  square  and  honest  fight  made  in  this  or  any  other  state  to  fix  maxi- 
mum rates,  and  the  legislation  upon  this  subject  was  taken  to  the  Supreme  court 
of  the  state  and  the  Supreme  court  of  the  United  States,  and  finally  the  legal 
questions  of  the  constitutionality  of  such  laws  was  sustained  by  these  high 
tribunals. 

Also  the  law  establishing  railroad  commissions  and  now  in  force. 

Also  establishing  a  board  of  public  charities  and  now  in  force. 

Also  a  bill  upon  the  subject  of  eminent  domain. 

Also  the  revenue  law,  now  substantially  in  force,  was  prepared  by  him. 

And  the  impress  of  his  genius  and  ability  is  found  on  many  a  page  of  the 
Revised  Statutes  of  the  State  still  in  force. 

Since  the  close  of  the  war  several  histories  have  been  written  upon  our  state 
affairs,  and  particularly  concerning  our  soldiers  and  the  public  men  of  the  state. 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED.  73 

Among  others  may  be  found  "  Illinois  and  the  War,"  two  volumes  by  Eddy,  pub- 
lished in  1866  ;  "History  of  Illinois,"  by  Davidson  and  Stuve,  published  in  1874; 
"  Politics  and  Politicians  of  Illinois,"  by  D.  W.  Lusk,  published  in  1884  ;  "Illinois, 
Historical  and  Statistical,"  two  volumes  by  John  Moses,  published  in  1892. 

By  a  reference  to  those  histories  and  others  it  will  be  found,  we  believe  without 
exception,  that  the  most  unqualified  endorsement  and  approval  has  been  given  to 
General  Fuller  for  the  conspicuous  part  he  took  in  public  matters  during  those  times. 
Though  well  and  favorably  known  to  the  bar  and  business  men  of  Noi'thern  Illinois 
prior  to  1860,  it  was  at  this  time  and  subsequent  years  he  established  a  state  re- 
putation and  maintained  the  same  until  he  retired  from  public  life  in  1872.  In 


RESIDENCE   OF   GENERAL  ALLEN  C.  FULLER. 


•PHOTO   BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 


the  memorable  political  contest  of  1860  Governor  Yatesand  General  Fuller  canvassed 
almost  the  entire  state  in  behalf  of  the  Republican  party,  and  if  we  may  judge  of 
that  canvass,  by  the  opinions  of  the  press  of  the  state  as  given  at  that  time,  it  was 
a  most  successful  and  brilliant  one,  and  contributed  its  full  share  to  the  success  of 
the  Republican  party. 

It  was  not,  however,  until  the  late  terrible  war  commenced  in  1861,  and  he 
assumed  the  duties  of  adjutant  general  of  the  state,  that  his  name  became  familiar 
as  household  words  in  every  family  in  the  state  and  especially  to  our  volunteer 
soldiers.  It  was  in  this  important  office  with  all  its  labors,  cares,  difficulties  and 
responsibilities  that  he  made  his  most  distinctive  mark  and  displayed  those  rare 
executive  abilities  which  were  admitted  by  every  one.  The  repeated  messages  of 
Governor  Yates — the  resolutions  of  our  state  legislature,  and  the  reports  of  the 
federal  authorities,  as  well  as  the  above  quoted  histories  of  those  years  are  so  en- 


74  BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 

tirely  unanimous  on  this  subject,  that  no  other  opinion  need  be  given  in  tins  brief 
sketch. 

After  a  residence  in  Belvidere  of  nearly  half  a  century  it  can  be  truly  said 
that  General  Fuller  has  established  and  maintained  a  character  above  reproach  or 
question.  His  word  is  as  good  as  his  bond  and  all  know  his  bond,  if  any  one  could 
get  it,  would  be  unquestionably  good.  He  is  believed  to  have  acquired  a  large 
fortune  and  he  deserves  it.  Commencing  active  life  here  he  still  retains  the 
strongest  attachment  for  this  city,  where  his  early  struggles  for  success  commenced. 

In  early  days  here  everybody  was  poor.  With  no  rich  or  powerful  friends  to 
aid  in  the  start,  he  has,  by  his  indomitable  will,  his  conservative  and  prudent  busi- 


GENERAL  ALLEN  C.  FULLER'S  PRIVATE  OFFICE. 


PHOTO    BY    CLARK    &    NOTT. 


ness  management  and  tireless  energy,  succeeded  in  life.  His  liberality  and  public 
spirit  here  are  proverbial.  None  more  so.  His  gift  to  this  city  as  hereinafter 
mentioned  proves  this  and  it  is  now  believed  that  he  has  made  provisions  for  other 
worthy  public  objects.  As  an  evidence  of  the  confidence  placed  in  him  as  a  busi- 
ness man,  it  may  be  here  stated  that  he  has  prominently  assisted  in  establishing 
half  a  dozen  or  more  National  banks  and  has  held  and  now  holds  prominent  offices 
in  several  of  them. 

In  this  brief  biographical  sketch  it  is,  of  course,  impossible  to  do  full  justice 
to  the  reputation  and  career  of  a  gentleman  whose  history  is  part  of  the  history  of 
this  great  state,  and  so  closely  interwoven  therewith  as  to  form  an  essential  part  of 
nearly  every  portion  thereof  for  a  period  of  nearly  half  a  century  of  progress  and 
achievement.  The  older  citizens  who  have  known  and  admired  him  for  all  these 
years  will  not  forget,  while  life  shall  last,  his  splendid  record  and  noble  character. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


75 


They  have  known  him  as  a  citizen  and  friend  ;  they  have  respected  him  for  his 
high  character  ;  they  have  been  grateful  for  his  many  acts  for  the  benefit  and  im- 
provement of  the  city  and  county  of  his  residence,  and  they  have  delighted  to 
honor  him  with  positions  of  public  trust  \vhen  opportunity  offered.  His  liberal 
donation  of  $5,000.00  for  the  Ida  public  library,  which  he  founded  in  honor  of  his 
deceased  daughter,  and  which  has  become  one  of  the  finest  public  libraries  in  the 


SUMMER  RESIDENCE  OF  GENERAL  ALLEN  C.  FULLER. 


BAYFIELD,    WIS. 


state,  outside  the  large  cities,  was  only  one  of  the  acts  of  public  benevolence 
which  has  endeared  him  to  all  classes. 

General  Fuller,  like  all  great  lawyers,  has  been  a  great  worker.  He  was 
always  faithful  to  his  client,  and  gave  to  every  case  he  undertook,  the  best  efforts 
of  which  he  was  capable.  But  .he  surpassed  most  other  men  in  executive  ability 
which  he  possessed  in  a  large  degree. 

This  sometimes  gave  the  appearance  of  austerity  to  his  character,  and  he 
has  been  charged  with  being  overbearing,  austere,  and  unapproachable.  Save  in 
the  trying  days  of  the  nation,  when  all  his  great  abilities  were  centered  on  his 
country's  welfare  alone,  these  charges  were  without  foundation;  and  then  these 
•characteristics  were  justified  by  the  needs  of  the  hour,  when  men  of  blood  and 


76 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


iron  were  necessary  to  the  salvation  of  the  nation .  At  other  times  no  more 
genial,  companionable  and  kind  hearted  man  ever  breathed.  Like  the  great  hero, 
Grant,  in  war  his  nerves  were  of  steel,  in  peace  his  heart  was  tender  as  a  child's, 
and  his  sympathies  broad  enough  to  embrace  all  mankind. 

His  grief  over  the  deaths  of  his  children,  whom  he  idolized,  softened,  though 
it  did  not  break  him,  and  he  has  continued  to  this  day,  the  capable,  active,  broad- 
minded  man  of  affairs.  When  his  work  shall  have  been  completed  and  the  his- 
tory of  his  life  written,  then  will  all  know  that  a  giant  oak  has  fallen,  that  a  man 
fit  and  capable  to  have  ruled  over  a  state  or  nation  has  left  the  impress  of  his  life 
and  achievements  upon  the  community. 


BUSINESS  OFFICE  OF  GENERAL  ALLEN'  C. '  FULLER. 


PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 


As  yet  his  eyes  are  not  dimmed,  and  his  strength  has  not  failed.  Daily  he 
can  be  found  at  his  office,  where  all  having  business  to  transact  with  him  can  find 
a  cordial  greeting  and  a  cheerful  readiness  to  take  up  and  dispose  of  the  business 
in  hand.  His  business  habits  and  methods  are  methodical;  he  familarizes  himself 
fully  with  every  detail  of  the  business  in  which  he  may  be  engaged,  and  never 
shirks  a  duty.  His  affairs  are  always  in  shape,  every  detail  is  attended  to  with 
scrupulous  exactness,  and  to  these  qualities  is  largely  due  his  success  in  life,  in  a 
material  way. 

Whatever  he  does  is  well  done,  and  whatever  anyone  else  to  whom  he  may 
entrust  any  matter  to  do  must  also  be  done  well,  and  his  employes  always  are  made 
to  realize  that  their  employer  always  knows  at  every  step  of  the  work  whether  or 
not  it  is  done  as  it  should  be. 

Perhaps   this    sketch   cannot  be   better  closed  than   by  saying  that  afte- 
preparation  of  the  foregoing  article  the  publisher  of  this  book  called  upo* 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED.  77 

tinguisbed  member  of  the  bar  of  tbis  city  and  one  of  the  most  eloquent  men  of 
this  state,  and  whose  professional  and  official  life  for  many  years  enables  him  to 
know  more  than  most  men,  the  opinions  of  the  public  concerning  men  of  affairs, 
and  requested  him  to  give  his  impartial  and  candid  opinion  of  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 

This  is  his  reply:      "Yes,  I  will  do  so  with  pleasure." 

"  A  learned  historian  of  this  state  has  said  that  '  the  history  of  Illinois  could 
not  be  written  with  the  name  of  Allen  C.  Fuller  left  out.'  Truer  words  were  never 
spoken,  nor  a  more  deserved  tribute  ever  paid  to  a  public  servant.  In  the  county 
of  Boone,  where  he  is  best  known,  and  where  the  greater  portion  of  his  life  has 
been  spent,  the  name  of  General  Fuller  is  a  household  word,  and  is  a  synonym  for 
honor,  integrity  and  fair  dealing,  as  well  as  for  worth  and  ability.  Whether  at 
home  or  abroad,  in  private  or  public  life,  no  man  ever  questioned  his  honor  and 
integrity;  no  man  ever  doubted  his  public  spirit,  his  broadmindedness  or  his  abso- 
lute justice  in  all  his  dealings  with  his  fellow  men.  As  a  young  man,  in  the  prac- 
tice of  law,  he  was  industrious  and  faithful,  and  those  qualities,  coupled  with 
strict  honesty  and  fair  ability,  could  not  fail  to  bring  success.  He  has  held  the 
offices  of  master  in  chancery,  county  judge,  circuit  judge,  representative  in  the 
general  assembly,  and  speaker  of  the  house,  state  senator  from  his  district  and 
president  of  the  senate,  and  adjutant  general  of  the  state  of  Illinois,  during  the 
days  that  '  tried  men's  souls,'  when  more  than  two  hundred  thousand  men  went 
out  from  Illinois  to  do  battle  for  the  union.  In  all  these  positions  of  trust  and 
honor  he  acquitted  himself  with  signal  ability  and  with  manly  honor.  No  man 
will  deny  and  none  can  gainsay  that  he  has  been  a  just  and  upright  judge,  a  faith- 
ful public  servant  and  an  honest  man  in  all  the  relations  of  life.  And  such  is  and 
will  be  the  final  judgment  as  to  his  abilities,  worth  and  character." 

HON.  JOHN   J.  FOOTE. 

John  J.  Foote  was  born  at  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  February  11,  1816.  He  was  a 
son  of  John  Foote,  a  distinguished  counselor-at-law,  and  Mary  B.  Johnson,  the 
daughter  of  a  prominent  physician.  His  genealogy  is  traced  with  accuracy  to 
Nathaniel  Foote,  who  emigrated  from  Colchester,  England,  and  whose  name 
appears  on  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Colony  records  of  1633.  The  descendants  of 
this  more  immediate  ancestor,  some  of  whom  are  mentioned  in  Revolutionary 
annals,  long  remained  in  the  coast  colonies  of  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut. 
After  completing  his  studies  in  the  common  schools  and  Hamilton  Academy,  and 
receiving  the  degree  of  A.  M.,  conferred  by  Madison,  now  Colgate  University,  he 
qualified  as  a  druggist,  and  entered  upon  and  conducted  an  extensive  business  in 
his  native  town.  At  the  outset  of  his  career,  and  along  its  course,  the  two  con- 
spicuous elements  of  his  character  were  integrity  and  sincerity,  and  to  these  were 
joined  ability  and  energy.  Recognizing  the  truth  of  this  analysis  his  friends, 
added  with  the  years  and  widening  intercourse,  made  him  the  repository  .of 
important  political  and  financial  trusts.  After  filling  with  credit  a  number  of 
local  offices,  including  that  of  chairman  of  the  Madison  county  board  of  super- 
visors for  two  years,  he  was,  in  1857,  elected  senator  for  Madison,  Chenango  and 
Courtland  counties,  and  served  his  constituency  with  distinction.  In  politics 
Whig  and  afterward  Republican,  Mr.  Foote  has  been  an  earnest  champion  of  the 
principles  advocated  by  Henry  Clay  and  the  great  leaders  of  later  times.  Among 
his  colleagues  in  the  senate  were  many  who  have  since  become  eminent,  notably 
William  A.  Wheeler,  afterward  vice-president  of  the  United  States.  During  the 
session  of  this  first  republican  legislature,  he  introduced  the  "Personal  Liberty  " 
bill,  an  act  enlarging  the  rights  of  negroes,  and  other  important  measures.  Mr. 


78 


BEL  VIDE  RE   ILLUSTRATED. 


Foote  was  chairman  of  the  committee  on  militia,  and  a  member  of  the  banking 
committee.  Mr.  Wheeler,  chairman  of  the  latter,  having  been  elected  president 
of  the  senate  pro  tern.,  on  his  motion  Mr.  Foote  succeeded  him  in  the  former  posi- 
tion. This  expression  of  confidence  was  valuable,  as  the  committee  had  great 
financial  responsibility  by  reason  of  the  panic  then  impending.  In  1860  his  name 
was  placed  on  the  Lincoln  ticket  as  an  elector  for  the  counties  of  Madison  and 
Oswego.  His  acquaintance  and  association  with  the  leading  statesmen  of  that 
period  was  extended,  and  his  co-workers  were  such  men  as  Governor  Morgan, 
Thurlow  Weed,  Mayor  Opdyke  and  others  of  like  prominence.  Immediately 
after  Fort  Sumter  had  been  fired  upon  the  leading  men  of  the  state,  alarmed  at 


HON.   JOHN  J.   FOOTE. 

the  situation,  gathered  at  the  Astor  House,  New  York  city,  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
sidering what  steps  the  commonwealth  should  take  for  general  protection.  Prompt 
decision  was  necessary,  as  the  legislature  then  in  session  would  adjourn  within 
thirty  six  hours.  As  a  result  of  the  hurried  deliberations  Mr.  Foote  was  delegated 
to  proceed  to  Albany,  and  urge  that  the  motion  to  adjourn  be  reconsidered,  with 
view  of  taking  some  action  relative  to  placing  the  state  on  a  war  footing.  His 
recommendation  was  adopted  by  the  legislature,  together  with  the  additional  sug- 
gestion that  a  bill  be  immediately  passed  appropriating  three  million  dollars  for 
military  purposes.  In  1865,  his  health  failing,  and  feeling  unequal  to  the  demands 
of  official  position  and  business  affairs,  he  removed  from  Hamilton  to  his  farm 
near  Belvidere.  In  1873  he  was  called  to  New  York  city  by  Ex-Postmaster- 
General  Thomas  L.  James,  an  old-time  friend,  then  postmaster,  and  consented  to 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


79 


temporarily  accept  the  position  of  auditor  and  acting  postmaster,  in  the  absence  of 
his  chief,  with  the  object  of  radically  reforming  and  reorganizing  the  financial 
depai'tments  of  the  office.  The  task  before  him  was  herculean,  and  required  for 
its  proper  accomplishment  a  man  of  ability,  courage  and  fidelity.  But  the  work 
was  in  the  end  satisfactorily  completed,  and  the  system  adopted  became  a  model 
for  the  principal  cities  of  the  country.  Returning  to  Belvidere,  Mr.  Foote  has 
passed  the  intervening  years  in  caring  for  his  estate,  with  occasional  services  of  a 
public  nature,  particularly  as  chairman  of  the  board  of  supervisors  for  several 
terms,  and  in  an  advisory  capacity  as  director  of  the  First  National  Bank  since 
1885.  At  the  home  on  Lincoln  avenue,  below  illustrated,  Mr.  Foote  lives  in  retire 


RESIDENCE  OF  JOHN  J.  FOOTE. 

ment  with  his  estimable  wife  and  daughter,  Miss  Harriet,  honored  and  esteemed 
by  the  entire  community.  John  C.  Foote,  his  son,  follows  his  father's  earlier 
occupation  of  druggist  in  this  city,  and  a  daughter,  Mrs.  Enos  Clark,  resides  in 
St.  Louis. 

SENATOR  CHARLES  E.  FULLER 

Was  born  in  Boone  county  and  all  his  life  has  resided  in  this  community.  His 
family  came  to  Illinois  in  1845,  and  consequently  were  among  the  early  settlers. 
His  ancestors  were  also  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  New  England.  Dr.  Samuel 
Fuller  and  his  brother  Edward  came  over  in  the  Mayflower  in  1620.  The  immedi- 
ate ancestor  of  Charles  E.  was  Robert  Fuller,  who  was  born  in  England  and  came 
to  this  country  in  the  ship  Bevis  in  1638.  He  lived  first  in  Salem  and  afterwards 
in  Rehoboth,  Mass.  He  was  the  first  and  only  bricklayer  in  New  England  for 
many  years.  In  1676  the  Indians  attacked  Rehoboth  and  burned  the  houses  of  the 
settlement.  Robert  Fuller,  having  lost  his  wife  and  two  sons,  killed  by  the 


80 


BELVIUERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


Indians,  and  his  home  having  been  burned,  returned  to  Salem,  where  he  remained 
until  1696,  when  he  returned  to  Rehoboth,  where  he  died  on  May  10,  1706.  His 
oldest  son  was  Jonathan  Fuller,  born  at  Salem  about  1640,  and  who  married 
Elizabeth  Wilmarth,  and  resided  at  Attleboro,  Mass.  Jonathan  had  a  son,  David, 
bom  September  11,  1667,  who  resided  at  Attleboro,  Mass.,  and  Coventry,  Conn. 
He  married  Mary  Ormsby,  and  they  had  a  son,  Elijah  Fuller,  born  September  24, 
1724,  and  who  married  Mary  Wellington,  December  8,  1747.  They  resided  in 
Coventry,  Conn.,  and  afterwards  in  Shaftsbury,  Vt.  They  had"a  son,  Solomon 


EX-SENATOR   CHAS.  E.  FULLER. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT 


Fuller,  born  March  12,  1757,  and  his  son,  Seymour  Fuller,  born  at  Shaftsbury, 
Vt.,  July  8,  1817,  is  the  father  of  Charles  E.  The  family  have  been  prominent  in 
New  England  history  since  the  settlement  of  this  country,  and  the  ancestral  heads 
of  the  family  have  generally  been  men  of  means  and  of  high  character.  They  were 
prominently  connected  with  the  early  colonial  wars  and  several  of  them  lost  their 
lives  in  King  Phillip's  war  in  1676.  From  an  old  historical  work  we  make  the 
following  extract  as  indicative  of  the  opinion  generally  held  of  the  family  : 

"The  Fuller  families  were  of  strong  puritanical  character  ;  marked  for  integ- 
rity, industry,  a  strict  regard  for  truth  and  justice,  accompanied  by  an  affability  of 
manners,  both  pleasing  and  of  controlling  influence." 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED.  81 

Charles  E.  Fuller  received  liis  education  in  the  common  schools  of  this  county, 
and  whatever  of  success  he  has  achieved  in  life  has  been  by  his  own  unaided 
efforts.  He  read  law,  iirst  with  Hon.  O.  H.  Wright,  and  afterwards  with  Hon. 
Jesse  S.  Hildrup.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1870  and  has  since  practiced  his 
profession  at  Belvidere.  He  held  the  office  of  Corporation  Attorney  for  the  old 
town  of  Belvidere,  before  it  became  a  city,  for  two  terms.  In  1876  he  was  elected 
state's  attorney.  In  1878  he  was  elected  to  the  state  senate,  after  a  contest  which 
has  become  historical.  He  served  in  the  senate  for  four  years,  being  chairman  of 
the  railroad  committee  and  a  member  of  the  judiciary  and  other  important  com- 
mittees. He  was  afterwards  elected  to  the  house  of  representatives  three  times  in 
succession,  where  he  was  a  recognized  leader,  being  generally  recognized  as  the 
party  leader  and  honored  by  his  associates  with  the  chairmanship  of  the  party 
managing  committee.  He  was  also  chairman  of  the  house  railroad  committee.  In 
1888  he  was  again  elected  to  the  senate,  and  at  the  close  of  his  term  in  1892 
declined  a  reelection,  preferring  to  give  his  time  and  attention  to  his  large  law 
practice.  Mr.  Fuller  has  enjoyed  the  personal,  as  well  as  political,  friendship  of 
such  men  as  General  John  A.  Logan,  General  Richard  J.  Oglesby,  Senator  Shelby 
M.  Cullom,  Governors  John  M.  Hamilton  and  Joseph  W.  Fifer,  as  well  as  most  of 
the  other  political  leaders  of  the  state  for  the  past  twenty-five  years,  and  has  had  their 
entire  confidence  and  respect.  In  the  legislature  his  friendships  were  not  limited 
to  his  party  associates,  but  many  of  his  warmest  admirers  were  to  be  found  on  the 
other  side  of  the  house.  His  opponents  admired  his  abilities,  respected  him  as  a 
man,  and  had  a  wholesome  regard  for  his  fighting  qualities. 

Hon.  John  R.  Tanner  is  authority  for  the  statement  that  in  a  political  contest 
on  the  floor  of  the  legislature  Senator  Fuller  was  the  readiest  debater,  the  most 
resourceful  parliamentarian  and  the  best  fighter  he  ever  knew. 

General  John  C.  Black  once  remarked  of  him,  that  he  was  "one  of  the  few 
men  who  always  knew  how  to  do  the  right  thing  at  the  right  time  and  in  the  right 
way." 

In  the  great  senatorial  contest  of  1885  in  the  Illinois  legislature,  when 
General  John  A.  Logan  was  reflected  to  the  United  States  senate  after  a  contest, 
lasting  four  months,  and  in  which  Mr.  Fuller  was  the  Logan  leader,  he  performed 
services  for  his  party  and  state,  which  were  afterwards  recognized  by  General 
Logan  in  the  following  letter  : 

SPRINGFIELD,  111.,  May  22,  1885. 
HON.   CHAS.  E.  FULLER, 

My  Dear  Friend:— \  have  relied  much  upon  you  as  a  leader  in  the  late  sena- 
torial struggle,  and  desire  now  to  express  my  thanks  to  you  and  assure  you  of  my 
appreciation  of  your  untiring  labors  to  achieve  a  victory  for  the  republican  party 
and  myself. 

Your  brilliant  leadership  has  been  most  effective  in  forcing  rights  from  a 
tyrannical  and  unscrupulous  enemy.  The  party  and  myself  are  under  many  obliga- 
tions. Be  assured  of  my  life-long  regard  and  friendship. 

Very  truly  yours, 

JOHN  A.   LOGAN. 

Mr.  Fuller  was  equally  the  friend  of  General  Oglesby,  and  in  the  senatorial 
contest  of  1891  was  chairman  of  the  joint  caucus  of  the  house  and  senate,  chair- 
man of  the  joint  steering  committee,  and  manager  of  the  republican  side  of  the 
contest.  The  failure  to  elect  General  Oglesby  or  any  other  republican,  was  not 
his  fault,  but  resulted  from  the  independent  or  F.  M.  B.  A.  members,  who  held 
the  balance  of  power,  going  over  bodily  to  the  democrats  and  voting  for  General 
Palmer. 

Mr.  Fuller  has  expressed   the  determination  to  not  again  be  a  candidate  for 


82  BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 

any  office,  but  to  give  his  undivided  attention  to  the  practice  of  his  profession  in 
which  he  has  been  quite  successful.  He  still  has  a  natural  liking  for  politics, 
however,  and  generally  attends  the  party  conventions  of  the  district  and  state, 
where  he  has  been  a  prominent  figure  for  many  years.  But  he  says  that  he  does 
not  expect  or  desire  to  again  hold  any  public  office  himself. 

Mr.  Fuller  was  married  in  1874  to  Miss  Sadie  Mackey,  daughter  of  Hugh 
Mackey,  of  Cherry  Valley.  They  have  a  pleasant  home  at  916  South  State  street. 

While  in  the  legislature  Mr.  Fuller's  skill  as  politician  won  him  a  high  repu- 
tation which  was  enhanced  by  his  statecraft.  In  conventions,  both  state  and 
national,  he  has  shown  himself  to  be  a  skillful  and  resourceful  politician,  and  the 
press  of  Chicago  and  throughout  the  state  has  several  times  termed  him  a  party 
Warwick. 

As  a  legislator  Mr.  Fuller  won  recognition  as  one  who  believed  in  legislating 
for  the  many,  and  a  number  of  important  bills  for  the  benefit  of  the  masses 
became  laws  through  his  work.  While  he  was  potent  for  his  party's  good  in  all 
conflicts  with  the  opposition,  he  at  the  same  time  rendered  valuable  service  to  the 
people.  Zealous  for  his  party  and  faithful  to  the  people,  he  left  the  legislature 
with  an  enviable  record.  In  the  thirty-fourth  general  assembly  he  was  virtually 
speaker  of  the  house,  as  successor  to  Mr.  Haines,  occupying  the  chair  during  that 
portion  of  the  session  when,  after  the  senatorial  struggle  had  ended  victoriously 
for  the  republicans  through  his  efforts,  the  real  legislative  work  was  done.  He 
would  have  been  chosen  speaker  but  for  his  own  advice  in  opposition  to  any  change 
in  the  organization  of  the  house.  Mr.  Fuller  is  frequently  mentioned  in  connec- 
tion with  higher  honors,  and  should  he  reconsider  his  decision  to  "leave  politics 
alone  and  practice  law,"  he  will  surely  be  heard  from.  Mr.  Fuller  is  a  natural 
orator  and  his  eloquent  voice  has  been  heard  in  all  parts  of  the  state.  On  the 
stump  he  is  what  is  known  as  a  magnetic  man.  He  is  considered  to  be  one  of  the 
best  stump  speakers  in  the  state  and  his  services  are  always  in  demand  by  the  party 
committees. 

As  a  citizen  of  Belvidere  Mr.  Fuller  has  been  prominent  as  well  as  in  the  field 
of  public  affairs.  His  energetic,  progressive  spirit  has  had  much  to  do  with  the 
upbuilding  of  Belvidere.  Successful  in  law,  politics  and  business  affairs,  distin- 
guished as  an  orator  and  legislator,  popular  at  home  and  abroad,  and  an  associate 
of  the  leading  men  of  Illinois,  the  pride  which  the  people  of  Belvidere  and  Boone 
county  take  in  him  is  pardonable  indeed. 

WILLIAM  C.  DE  WOLF,  JR. 

Is  a  native  of  the  soil,  having  been  born  in  the  town  of  Spring,  in  Boone  county, 
on  the  4th  day  of  November,  1865.  As  a  boy  he  worked  on  his  father's  farm, 
and  attended  the  district  school  at  the  old  stone  school  house  at  Shattuck's  grove. 
Later  he  attended  the  high  school  at  Genoa,  De  Kalb  county,  where  he  graduated 
in  1885.  He  afterward  read  law  in  the  office  of  Judge  C.  B.  Dean,  and  was 
admitted  to  practice  by  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  state  in  1887.  Later  in  the 
same  year  he  entered  into  a  co-partnership  with  Hon.  Charles  E.  Fuller  in  the 
practice  of  the  law  and  has  continued  to  be  so  associated  with  Mr.  Fuller  to  the 
present  time.  The  firm  is  one  of  the  strongest  and  enjoys  a  practice  said  to  be 
quite  lucrative,  and  which  is  not  by  any  means  limited  to  the  county  of  Boone, 
but  extends  into  the  adjoining  counties  as  well.  Mr.  DeWolf  has  given  his  atten- 
tion almost  exclusively  to  the  practice  of  his  profession,  and  has  not  generally 
given  much  of  his  time  to  political  matters,  although  he  is  a  staunch  and  active 
Republican,  and  is  generally  a  delegate  to  the  party  conventions.  He  is  a  member 
of  the  district  republican  senatorial  committee.  He  was  once  appointed  and  twice 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


83 


elected  city  attorney  of  Belvidere,  but  resigned  the  office  in  1891  and  has  since 
declined  to  be  a  candidate,  Mr.  De  Wolf's  associates  at  the  bar  all  have  the 
greatest  respect  for  his  character  and  abilities.  Pie  has  an  eminently  judicial 
cast  of  mind,  is  studious  and  well  read  and  always  absolutely  fair  and  honest. 
Mr.  De  Wolf  is  married  and  has  one  child.  One  who  knows  him  intimately  when 


w.  c.  DEWOLF,  JR. 

PHOTO  BY  YOUNDT. 

asked  to  give  an  estimate  of  his  character  said:  "Mr.  De  Wolf  is  a  man  of 
whom  one's  opinion  improves  with  acquaintance.  The  better  you  know  him  the 
greater  will  be  your  admiration  of  his  character  and  sterling  qualities.  He  is  a 
man  you  can  tie  to.  If  he  is  your  friend  you  can  count  en  him  in  sunshine  and  in 
storm.  There  need  be  no  doubt  as  to  where  he  stands.  He  is  perfectly  reliable  ; 
absolutely  true.  He  never  betrayed  a  trust  and  never  will.  He  is  a  good  judge 
of  character  and  knows  how  to  choose  his  friends.  He  is  a  positive  man,  with  a 
clear,  incisive,  vigorous  mind,  and  consequently  a  good  lawyer." 


84 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


HON.   R.  W.  WRIGHT. 

r^IIi  Robert  W.  Wright,  the  present  efficient  state's  attorney  was  born  in  Belvi- 
dere,  July  19,  1862.  He  attended  the  public  schools  and  at  the  age  of  16  began 
the  study  of  law  in  his  father's  law  office.  On  the  completion  of  a  course  at  the 
Illinois  University  at  Champaign  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  January,  1883,  be- 
ing only  twenty-one  years  of  age  at  the  time.  He  was  chosen  state's  attorney  by 
the  people  of  this  county  at  the  November  election  of  1884 — a  signal  honor  for  one 


R.  w.  WRIGHT, 

State's  Attorney. 

PHOTO  BY  YOUNDT. 

of  his  age.  He  has  been  re-elected  at  the  end  of  each  succeeding  term  since  that 
date.  His  marriage  to  Miss  Ida  Osborn,  of  Champaign,  took  place  March  11, 
1885.  Mr.  Wright  met  the  young  lady  while  attending  the  University.  They 
have  one  child,  a  Miss  now  ten  years  of  age.  Mr.  Wright  rose  rapidly  to  the 
front  as  a  lawyer  and  commanded  a  lucrative  practice.  In  1894  he  was  appointed 
corporation  counsel  for  the  city  of  Belvidere,  which  position  he  still  holds.  His 
advancement  and  continued  endorsement  from  the  people  of  this  city  and  county, 
afford  abundant  evidence  that  his  talents  receive  the  most  genuine  recognition 
that  a  community  could  possibly  give.  Admitted  to  possess  very  much  more  than 
the  ordinary  qualifications  demanded  in  a  practitioner  and  legal  representative  of 
the  people's  interests,  the  county  and  city  wisely  retain  his  services.  Mr.  Wright 
is  a  forcible  and  brilliant  speaker,  and  has  the  reputation  of  conducting  to  a  sue- 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


85 


cessful  issue  the  cases  falling  to  his  charge,  to  a  degree  not  always  attained  by 
older  representatives  at  the  bar.  His  practice  is  not  confined  to  this  city,  but  in- 
cludes many  other  of  the  important  centers  in  Northern  Illinois,  and  especially 
Chicago,  where  he  is  called  frequently.  As  a  counselor,  pleader  and  official,  Mr. 
Wright  has,  by  sheer  ability  and  application,  as  well  as  personal  popularity,  taken 
and  maintained  a  position  in  the  very  front  ranks  of  the  legal  fratei'nity  of  the 
state.  He  is  a  shre\vd  and  brainy  lawyer — a  lawyer  worthy  of  the  name.  He  has 


RESIDENCE  OF  R.  W.  WRIGHT. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 

no  desire  to  mix  in  state  or  national  politics,  but  his  sole  ambition  is  as  a  lawyer. 
In  the  new  era  pertaining  to  the  progress  of  Belvidere  the  services  of  Mr.  Wright 
have  been  of  exceeding  value,  and  fully  appreciated  by  the  community. 

JUDGE  W.  W.  WOOD. 

Judge  Wales  W.  Wood  was  born  in  Hinsdale,  Cattaraugus  county,  New  York, 
April  25,  1837,  and  is  a  son  of  Col.  Emery  Wood,  who,  while  a  boy,  served  in  the 
war  of  1812,  and  was  afterward  colonel  of  a  New  York  state  militia  regiment. 
Judge  Wood,  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  was  sent  to  the  Genesee  Wesleyan  College  at 
Lima,  N.  Y.,  where  he  entered  freshman  year,  full  classical  course,  remaining 


86 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


there  two  years,  and  completing  his  college  course,  graduated  with  honors  at  Union 
College,  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  under  Dr.  Nott,  in  the  year  1857.  Out  of  his  class, 
numbering  over  one  hundred,  he  was  one  of  the  twelve  selected  by  the  faculty  of 
that  college  to  the  Honorary  Society  of  "Phi  Beta  Kappa."  In  the  fall  of  that 
year  he  came  West,  located  at  Belvidere,  and  read  law  with  the  then  well-known 
law  firm  of  Fuller  &  Wood,  being  the  present  Gen-.  A.  C.  Fuller,  of  this  city,  and 
Hon.  Wm.  H.  Wood,  now  of  Chicago.  In  1860  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and 
practiced  his  profession  here  until  the  summer  of  1862,  when,  upon  the  president's 
call  for  more  volunteers  to  put  down  the  rebellion,  he  enlisted  in  Company  G,  95th 
regiment,  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  upon  the  muster-in  of  the  regiment,  Sep- 


WALES  w.  WOOD. 

COUNTY  JUDGE. 


tember  4,  1862,  at  Rockford,  111.,  was  promoted,  and  commissioned  by  Governor 
Yates  as  adjutant  of  that  regiment.  He  acted  in  that  capacity  with  his  regiment 
in  the  field  throughout  General  Grant's  campaign  in  northern  Mississippi,  in  the 
fall  of  1862,  and  in  the  spring  of  1863,  while  the  army  was  in  camp  at  Lake  Prov- 
idence, La.,  he  was  chosen  to  perform  the  duties  of  assistant  adjutant  general,  by 
Gen.  John  McArthur,  of  the  6th  Division,  17th  Army  Corps,  Army  of  the  Tennes- 
see, took  active  part  in  the  following  campaign  and  siege  of  Vicksburg,  and  after 
the  surrender  served  as  post  adjutant  of  that  city  under  Gen.  McArthur.  He  was 
in  the  battles  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  December  15  and  16,  1864,  when  the  Union 
army  commanded  by  General  Thomas  met  and  routed  the  Confederate  forces  under 
Hood,  and  in  the  siege  and  taking  of  Spanish  Fort  and  Mobile,  Ala.,  in  the  early 
part  of  1865.  He  remained  on  similar  duty  until  near  the  close  of  the  war,  when 
he  re-joined,  and  was  mustered  out  with  his  regiment  at  Camp  Butler,  Springfield, 
111.,  in  August,  1865.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  to  Belvidere,  and 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED . 


87 


resumed  the  practice  of  law,  and  about  that  time  wrote  and  published  a  history  of 
the  95th  regiment,  hi  1866  he  was  married  to  Miss  Alice  E.  Humphrey,  and  they 
have  one  daughter,  Gertrude  C.  Wood.  Soon  after  returning,  resuming  his  pro- 
fession, he  was  appointed  master  in  chancery  of  the  circuit  court  of  Boone  county, 
holding  that  office  some  eight  years,  and  subsequently  was  corporation  and  city 
attorney  for  Belvidere,  and  also  states  attorney  of  Boone  county  for  several  terms. 
In  the  spring  of  1889  he  was  elected  county  judge  of  this  county,  since  which  time 
he  has  been  continued  in  that  office.  Judge  Wood  is  a  prominent  member  of 
Hurlbut  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  this  city,  having  been  commander  of  that  post,  and 
held  other  offices  in  the  organization.  The  fact  that  Judge  Wood  is  so  frequently 
called  to  Chicago  to  hold  court  is  evidence  that  his  decisions  are  regarded  as  fair 
and  impartial.  As  a  judge  lit-  is  a  credit  to  the  bench. 


NORTH  STATE  STREET  RESIDENCE  PORTION. 


LOOKING  NORTH. 


EX-JUDGE  C.  B.  DEAN. 

The  name  of  C.  B.  Dean  occupies  a  prominent  place  in  the  history  of  Bel- 
videre and  Boone  county.  He  has  always  taken  an  active  interest  in  public 
affairs.  He  was  born  in  Franklin,  De  Kalb  county.  His  father  came  west  from 
Maine  in  the  early  days,  and  when  horses  were  scarce  in  California  he  and  his 
son  made  several  overland  trips  with  herds  of  equines  destined  for  sale  in  the 
California  market.  It  required  four  months  in  \vhich  to  make  a  trip. 

Judge  Dean  located  at  Belvidere  in  1862.  For  a  short  time  he  was  em- 
ployed in  E.  W.  Case's  grocery  store.  Then  taking  up  the  study  of  law  and 
entering  the  Ann  Arbor  ( Mich.)  law  school,  he  graduated  in  the  class  of  1873. 
He  was  married  at  Ann  Arbor,  and  went  to  Denver  to  practice  law.  He  returned 
to  Belvidere  one  year  later,  and  soon  took  rank  among  the  leading  attorneys.  He 
was  city  attorney  for  several  terms,  and  was  elected  county  judge  three  succes- 


88  BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 

sive  terms,  for  which  office  he  was  eminently  fitted.  His  wife's  health  failing 
in  1888,  he  resigned  from  the  bench  and  removed  to  Talapoosa,  Ga.,  where  he 
remained  about  four  years,  after  which  the  family  moved  back  to  Belvidere. 
Mr.  Dean  has  the  only  set  of  abstract  books  in  Boone  county,  which  are  quite 
valuable  and  are  increasing  in  value  as  the  counly  grows  older  and  people  become 
more  careful  of  their  titles.  Judge  Dean  was  one  of  the  most  enthusiastic 
workers  in  the  movement  which  brought  to  Belvidere  the  great  National  Sewing 
Machine  Company.  He  was  one  of  the  negotiating  committee  and  spent  time 
and  money  to  secure  the  prize.  He  did  not  accept  stock  for  his  subscription, 
but  contributed  with  a  loyal,  patriotic  purpose.  This  one  incident  gives  a  key 
to  his  character.  If  Belvidere  had  more  like  him  it  would  be  better  for  the  city. 
Mr.  Dean  is  now  practicing  law.  He  is  an  able  lawyer  and  is  therefore 
very  successful.  He  is  a  Republican  in  politics  and  is  chairman  of  the  county 
republican  committee. 

WILLIAM  L.  PIERCE. 

Well  advanced  on  the  list  of  prominent  Belvidere  attorneys  is  the  name  of 
William  L.  Pierce.  A  son  of  William  H.  and  Mary  J.  Pierce,  he  was  born  in  the 
town  of  Spring,  June  3,  1868.  After  a  thorough  preparatory  course  of  study  in 
the  best  schools  of  the  county  he  entered  the  Northwestern  Law  College,  from 
which  he  graduated  June  16,  1892.  Beginning  practice  immediately  thereafter, 
in  partnership  with  F.  J.  Evans,  in  this  city,  the  association  was  continued  until 
business  demands  necessitated  a  dissolution.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Laura  M. 
Duth,  of  Freeport,  111.,  October  31,  1895.  Fluent,  versatile,  clear  in  statement, 
and  a  valuable  counselor,  Mr.  Pierce  commands  the  attention  of  juries  and  the 
confidence  of  the  public.  A  number  of  important  cases  here  and  elsewhere  con- 
ducted by  Mr.  Pierce  to  a  successful  issue,  adorn  a  record  which  might  well  be 
contemplated  with  satisfaction.  His  practice  in  this  and  adjoining  counties  is  ex- 
tended and  growing,  and  a  very  bright  future  awaits  this  talented  member  of  the 
bar. 

FRANK  S.  WHITMAN,  M.D. 

The  name  of  ex-Mayor  F.  S.  Whitman  is  closely  linked  with  the  growth  and 
enterprise  of  Belvidere.  He  was  born  in  this  city  September  27,  1849,  and  is  a 
descendant  of  good  old  New  England  stock.  Both  his  grandfather  and  father 
located  in  this  city  in  early  days  and  were  leading  factors  in  the  pioneer  history  of 
Boone  county.  His  father,  Hiram,  came  here  from  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  in 
1839,  making  the  entire  distance  overland  with  teams. 

Dr.  Whitman  has  the  honor  of  being  the  second  oldest  practitioner  in  Belvi- 
dere. After  acquiring  his  early  education  from  the  public  schools  he  became  a 
student  at  the  Chicago  University  and  subsequently  engaged  in  teaching  one  year, 
being  principal  of  the  Roscoe  school.  He  began  the  study  of  medicine  with  Dr. 
James  K.  Soule,  of  Belvidere,  and  graduated  from  the  Hahnemann  Medical  Col- 
lege, of  Chicago,  in  February,  1872.  The  same  year  he  opened  an  office  in  this 
city  and  has  since  successfully  engaged  in  practice.  His  skill  and  marked  ability 
have  placed  him  at  the  head  of  the  list. 

Dr.  Whitman's  name  is  synonymous  with  progression.  He  is  regarded  as  one 
the  best  "posted"  men  in  Belvidere.  He  is  one  of  the  first  to  push  along  any 
project  calculated  to  advance  the  interests  of  the  city.  He  has  always  had  great 
faith  in  the  future  of  Belvidere,  and  by  shrewd  and  careful  real  estate  investments 
has  acquired  a  competence.  He  never  allows  these  outside  matters,  however,  to 
interfere  with  his  professional  duties.  Last  summer  he  erected  a  splendid  business 
block  in  which  are  his  offices  and  which  are  equipped  in  a  modern  manner.  The 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


89 


DR.  F.  S.  WHITMAN. 
PHOTO   BY  YOUNDT. 


aminers  for  a  number  of  years. 
Impaired  health,  the  result 
of  a  too  constant  application 
to  professional  duties  for 
nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century, 
and  the  desire  for  a  shai'e  of 
the  leisure  enjoyed  by  other 
men,  and  never  obtainable  in 
the  work  allotted  him,  were 
causes  that  led  the  doctor  to 
announce  on  April  1st  last 
his  retirement  from  the  active 
conduct  of  his  profession.  His 
future  work  is  to  be  closely 
confined  to  the  line  of  con 
sultation. 

A.  W.  SWIFT,  M.  D. 

No  young  physician  has 
gained  distinction  more  rap- 
idly .than  Dr.  A.  W.  Swift, 
who  has  been  associated  with 
Dr.  F.  S.  Whitman  /or  ten 
years.  He  was  born  in 
Nunda,  Livingstone  county, 
New  York,  in  I860,  and 


doctor  is  a  large  stockholder 
in  the  National  Sewing  Ma- 
chine Co.,  and  was  one  of 
the  founders  of  the  People's 
bank,  of  which  he  is  vice- 
president.  He  is  also  inter- 
ested in  other  enterprises. 

Politically  he  is  a  staunch 
Republican  and  is  one  of  the 
leaders  of  the  party  in  this 
congressional  district.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  congres- 
sional committee  for  this  dis- 
trict, and  was  an  alternate 
delegate-at-large  at  the  Na- 
tional convention  of  1892. 
When  it  comes  to  careful 
political  judgment  the  doc- 
tor has  few  equals.  Locally, 
he  has  had  high  public  hon- 
ors thrust  upon  him.  He  has 
served  as  president  of  the 
school  board,  alderman,  may- 
or for  two  successive  terms, 
three  terms  as  coroner  and 
was  president  of  the  Boone 
county  board  of  pension  ex- 


DR.  A.  w.  SWIFT. 

PHOTO    BY    YOUNDT. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


came  to  Belvidere  when  but  five  years  old.  His  father  was  one  of  the  brave 
defenders  of  the  stars  and  stripes  and  laid  down  his  life  in  the  cause  of  liberty 
on  a  southern  battlefield. 

In  early  life  the  doctor  chose  the  medical  profession  and  studied  with  Dr. 
Whitman.  He  subsequently  attended  the  Chicago  Homeopathic  Medical  College 
and  graduated  with  honors  in  the  class  of  1885.  Forming  a  partnership  with  Dr. 
Whitman  he  soon  established  himself  as  a  skillful  physician  and  won  the  confi- 
dence of  the  people.  He  has  been  a  practitioner  here  for  ten  years  and  no  physi- 
cian stands  higher  in  public  esteem.  In  1885  he  married  Miss  Jessie  Curtis, 
daughter  of  Charles  Curtis,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Boone  county.  He  has 


DR.  D.  E.  POOTE. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A   NOTT. 


been  a  member  of  the  board  of  education  and  is  at  present  a  member  of  the  board 
of  health  and  a  member  of  the  official  board  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church. 
He  has  never  been  a  seeker  of  public  office  but  prefers  to  devote  his  entire  time 
and  attention  to  the  practice  of  medicine.  He  owes  his  success  in  his  profession 
largely  to  his  hard,  conscientious  work,  and  his  example  is  a  good  one  for  young 
physicians  to  emulate.  He  is  popular  socially  and  has  a  still  brighter  future 
before  him. 

DANIEL  E.   FOOTE,  M.D. 

Dr.  Foote  was  a  native  of  Chenango  county,  New  York.  His  ancestors  were 
English,  and  loyal  to  their  country  and  king,  as  indicated  by  the  Foote  coat-of- 
anns  which  is  in  his  possession,  having  been  handed  down  to  him  in  the  regular 
order  of  inheritance.  It  lias  upon  its  chevron  "  Name  of  Foote,"  and  beneath, 
upon  a  scroll,  the  words  "Loyalty  and  Truth."  The  doctor  traces  his  lineage  in 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


91 


an  unbroken  line  from  Nathaniel  Foote,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Wethersfield, 
Conn.,  whose  successors  were  prominent  in  the  colonial  wars  and  the  war  of  the 
revolution.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Society  of  the  Sons  of  the  Revolution  for  the 
state  of  Illinois.  Dr.  Foote  is  a  graduate  of  the  University  of  Buffalo's  medical 
department,  and  received  his  diploma  from  the  hand  of  Millard  Fillmore,  chancel- 
lor of  the  university  while  president  of  the  United  States.  His  preceptor  was 
Frederick  Hyde,  M.D.,  late  professor  of  surgery  and  dean  of  the  faculty  in  the 
medical  college  of  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  with  whom  he  studied  medicine  and  surgery 
five  years,  and  then  practiced  one  year.  He  practiced  his  profession  at  Newark 
Valiey,  Tioga  county,  New  York,  two  years,  where,  in  1853,  he  married  Martha 
E.  Updegraff.  In  1854  they  removed  to  Belvidere,  where  he  has  since  been  in 
constant  practice.  In  1855  he  purchased  the  place  where  they  now  reside,  on 
which,  in  1873,  he  built  the  house  still  occupied.  They  have  thi-ee  daughters,  the 


RESIDENCE  AND  OFFICE  OF  DR.  D.  E.  FOOTE. 

eldest  of  whom  is  the  wife  of  Edwin  W.  Warren,  of  Belvidere,  the  other  two 
remaining  with  their  parents.  Dr.  Foote  is  a  permanent  member  of  the  American 
Medical  Association  and  of  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society,  an  elder  in  the  Pres- 
byterian church,  and  has  occupied  many  places  of  honor  and  responsibility,  both 
municipal  and  social. 

DR.  R.  W.  M'INNES. 

Dr.  R.  W.  Mclnnes  was  elected  to  the  office  of  mayor  at  an  important  period 
in  the  history  of  Belvidere.  It  was  at  a  time  when  a  strong  and  safe  guiding  hand 
was  needed  in  the  administration  of  our  city  affairs.  The  city  was  indeed  fortunate 
in  placing  him  at  the  public  helm  last  spring.  He  is  wide-awake  to  the  growing 
needs  of  a  growing  city,  is  progressive  and  enterprising  in  spirit,  and  is  in  full 
sympathy  with  the  many  needed  improvements  already  decided  upon  or  now  under 
serious  contemplation.  Opportunity's  hand  was  stretched  forth  and  Mayor  Mc- 
lnnes grasped  it  with  enthusiasm.  Among  the  improvements  he  has  advocated 
sanitary  sewers,  water  works  extension,  and  paving,  and  all  are  likely  to  come 
during  his  term  of  office.  It  will  be  no  fault  of  his  if  they  do  not. 

Dr.  Mclnnes  was  born  in  Rockford  in  1857.  He  attended  the  public  schools 
there  and  subsequently  took  a  four  years  course  in  Beloit  College.  He  resolved  to 


92 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


study  medicine  and  entered  Northwestern  Medical  University,  graduating  in  1884. 
Shortly  after  becoming  an  M.D.,  he  located  in  Belvidere,  associating  himself  with 
Dr.  Charles  Scott,  then  the  leading  physician  of  Belvidere.  At  Dr.  Scott's  death 
six  years  later,  or  in  1890,  the  extensive  practice  naturally  largely  reverted  to  Dr. 
Mclnnes,  who  had  attained  an  enviable  prominence  in  the  profession.  Dr.  Mc- 
Innes  deserves  the  honors  which  have  been  bestowed  upon  him.  He  lives  in  a 


DR.  R.  W.  McIXXES, 

MAYOR. 


pretty  residence  on  North  State  street.      He  and  his  estimable  wife  are  popular  in 
Belvidere's  society  circles. 

A.  J.  MARKLEY,  M.  D. 

Dr.  A.  J.  Markley  has  practiced  medicine  in  Boone  county  for  nearly  fifteen 
years.  He  first  located  in  Poplar  Grove,  where  he  remained  one  year.  Then  he 
moved  to  Garden  Prairie,  and  lived  at  that  village  for  eight  years.  In  1890  he 
came  to  Belvidere,  forming  a  partnership  with  Dr.  R.  W.  Mclnnes.  The  doctor 
was  born  in  Archbald,  Fulton  county,  Ohio,  May  3,  1858.  He  graduated  from 
the  Beimont  Medical  College,  Chicago,  in  the  class  of  1881,  and  no  member  of  his 
class  has  been  moi*e  successful  in  the  medical  world. 

Dr.  Markley  congratulates  himself  that  he  located  in  so  progressive  a  city  as 
Belvidere,  and  Belvidere  reciprocates  the  sentiment.  In  his  profession  he  has 
proved  himself  worthy  of  the  highest  confidence,  and  as  a  citizen  has  won  the 
esteem  of  all. 

He  chose  for  his  wife  a  Bpone  county  girl,  who  was  living  in  Fairbury,  Neb., 
at  the  time  of  their  marriage,  in  1887.  She  was  Miss  Belle  B.  Bills,  whose 
parents  were  early  residents  of  Bonus.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Markley  live  on  South  State 


BELVIDEBE    ILLUSTRATED. 


93 


DR.  A.  J.  MARKLEY. 

PHOTO   P.Y    YOVXDT. 


RESIDENCE   OF   DR.  A.  J.  MARKLEY. 


PHOTO    BY   CJ.ARK  A   NOTT. 


94 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


street,  in  one  of  the  costliest  and  most  beautiful  residences   in  Belvidere.      Their 
friends  are  legion. 

Dr.  Markley  has  taken  an  active  interest  in  school  matters,  and  has  served 
as  president  of  the  South  Belvidere  school  board.  Much  credit  is  due  him 
and  his  co-laborers  on  the  board  for  the  excellent  school  whose  destinies  they 
guide. 

CHARLES  DARWIN  CARPENTER,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Carpenter,  while  only  recently  taking  up  his  residence  in  Belvidere,  is  yet 
a  practitioner  of  diversified  experience,  and  eminently  qualified  to  assume  and 
maintain  a  leading  position  in  the  fraternity  of  this  city.  The  doctor  gravitated 


DR.  CHAS.  DARWIN  CARPENTER. 

naturally  into  the  profession  of  medicine  ;  his  father  and  preceptor,  George  II. 
Carpenter,  M.  D.,  at  one  time  surgeon  of  the  91st  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry, 
in  the  late  war,  being  a  prominent  physician  of  Athens,  Ohio.  His  mother,  Mary 
Welch,  was  a  daughter  of  the  Hon.  John  Welch,  late  chief  justice  of  Ohio.  The 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Athens,  Dec.  12, 1849,  and  received  his  classical 
education  at  the  Ohio  University.  Graduating  from  the  Ohio  Medical  College  at 
Cincinnati,  March  1,  1872,  he  began  practice  with  his  father  in  the  home  vicinage, 
but  was  finally  attracted  to  Cleveland,  where  he  remained  a  number  of  years  dis- 
charging the  manifold  duties  entailed  by  an  extensive  practice.  He  was  also  one 
of  the  resident  physicians  at  the  Columbus,  Ohio,  Hospital  for  the  Insane  during 
the  years  1877-78.  Dr.  Carpenter  is  president  of  the  pension  examining  board  at 
Belvidere.  He  wras  married  to  Miss  Rena  Vlereborne,  January  26,  1882.  They 
have  two  interesting  daughters,  one  of  three  and  the  other  ten  years  of  age.  The 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED.  95 

family  reside  on  Logan  avenue.  Dr.  Carpenter's  skill,  culture  and  varied  talents, 
together  with  his  social  qualities,  are  bringing  him  friends  in  his  adopted  city, 
whose  promise  led  to  a  choice  of  what  he  hopes  to  make  his  permanent  home. 

R.  H.  BURTON,  M.D. 

It  is  not  an  exaggeration  to  say  that  no  young  physician  and  surgeon  has 
achieved  success  to  a  more  marked  degree  than  Dr.  R.  II.  Burton.  Although  his 
practice  here  dates  only  over  a  period  of  two  years,  he  is  already  recognized  as 
one  of  the  leading  physicians.  He  was  born  in  Toronto,  Canada,  in  1861.  His 
father,  John  C.  Burton,  settled  south  of  Belvidere  in  1879,  and  was  a  prosperous 


DR.  R.  H.  BURTON. 

PHOTO  BY   CLARK  &  NOTT. 


farmer.      He  died  in  1895.     The  doctor's  home  has  been  in  Belvidere  for  years, 
and  when  he  opened  an  office  here  he  felt  that  he  was  not  among  strangers. 

Dr.  Burton  attended  the  Northwestern  University  for  a  time,  and  then  went 
into  the  drug  business  in  Chicago,  being  in  that  line  for  eight  .years.  He  subse- 
quently became  a  student  at  the  Chicago  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons, 
from  which  institution  he  graduated  with  credit  to  himself  and  the  class  of  which 
he  was  a  member.  He  took  an  interneship  in  Alexian  Brothers'  famous  hospital 
and  one  also  in  St.  Elizabeth  hospital,  being  directly  under  the  preceptorship  of 
that  eminent  surgeon,  Dr.  J.  B.  Murphy.  The  doctor's  extended  hospital  exper- 
ience has  been  of  incalculable  value  to  him  in  his  practice.  He  has  been  especially 
successful  in  performing  delicate  and  dangerous  surgical  operations,  and  in  these 
his  hospital  training  comes  into  good  use.  Before  coming  to  Belvidere  he  prac- 
ticed one  year  in  Chicago. 


96 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


IRVING  J.  HECKMAN,  M.D. 

Was  born  in  the  township  of  Kingston,  De  Kalb  county,  twelve  miles  southeast 
of  Belvidere,  September  16,  1861.  His  father,  Philip  Heckman,  of  German 
ancestry,  soon  after  his  marriage,  early  in  the  '50's,  removed  from  Ohio  to  this 
vicinity.  His  mother,  Sarah  A.  Ileckman,  was  of  Scotch  and  English  descent, 
and  one  of  a  large  family.  Both  were  of  the  sturdy  and  reliant  type  of  pioneers, 
and  readily  adapted  themselves  to  the  new  situation.  The  doctor  received  his 
primary  education  in  the  schools  of  De  Kalb  county  and  Belvidere,  and  attended 
college  at  Hillsdale,  Mich.  After  following  the  avocations  usually  engaged  in 
by  young  men  of  high  aspirations,  but  indefinite  purpose,  he  finally  entered  the 


DR.  I.  J.  HECKMAN. 

Illinois  College  of  Pharmacy  at  Chicago,  and  subsequent  to  the  completion  of 
his  studies  filled  the  position  of  dispenser  in  the  Elgin  Hospital  for  the  Insane 
under  the  Fifer  administration.  In  1891  Dr.  Ileckman  was  married  to  Miss 
Carrie  Hewitt,  of  Chicago,  a  native  of  Winnebago  county  and  a  graduate  of 
Rockford  College.  In  1895  he  graduated  from  the  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons,  of  Chicago,  and  settled  in  Belvidere,  where  he  has  already  taken  a 
prominent  place  among  the  successful  practitioners  of  the  city. 

CHARLES  SCOTT,  M.D. 

Dr.  Charles  Scott,  now  deceased,  was  in  more  respects  than  one  a  remarkable 
man.  He  was  for  years  the  leading  physician  of  Belvidere,  and  was  loved  by  the 
people  as  few  men  have  been.  Large-hearted,  sympathetic,  helpful,  and  of  fine 
abilities,  he  lived  in  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  all  with  whom  he  came  in  con- 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


97 


DR.  CHAS.  SCOTT,  (Deceased). 

PHOTO  BY  YOUNDT. 


tact.  He  was  the  son  of 
Dr.  Amos  Scott,  who  is  still 
living  at  the  old  homestead 
in  Seward,  Winnebago  coun- 
ty. His  ancestors  on  his 
father's  side  were  Pennsyl- 
vania Dutch,  and  of  Quaker 
affiliation.  On  his  mother's 
side  they  were  Scotch  Irish 
from  the  north  of  Ireland. 
Dr.  Scott  was  born  May  26, 
1849,  in  Washington,  Perm. 
He  came  with  his  father's 
family  to  Illinois  in  1857. 
His  early  education  was 
obtained  at  the  public 
schools,  including  a  course 
at  the  Pecatonica  High 
School.  Before  taking  up 
the  study  of  medicine  he 
worked  his  father's  farm 
while  the  latter  was  a  sur- 
geon in  the  army.  He  stud- 
ied medicine  at  ChicatroMed- 


ical  College  during  the  win- 
ters of  1872-3  and  1873-4, 
and  was  at  Rush  Medical 
College  in  1874-5,  gradu- 
ating in  1875.  After  dis- 
charging the  duties  of  in- 
terne at  St.  Luke's  Hospital, 
he  -  came  to  Belvidere  in 
1876.  In  May,  1877,  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Clara 
E.  Tousley.  The  doctor 
achieved  phenomenal  suc- 
cess in  his  profession.  He 
arrived  in  Belvidere  finan- 
cially indebted,  as  he  had 
been  obliged  to  work  his 
way  through  college,  but 
with  the  result  which  often 
follows  unaided  and  per- 
sistent effort.  His  mental 
equipment  was  of  so  com- 
plete a  nature  that  the  time 
was  not  long  postponed 
when  every  hour  had  urgent 
demand.  At  the  height 
of  usefulness  and  on  the 
crest  of  success,  the  effects 
of  overwork  became  rapid- 


RESIDENCE  OF  MRS.  DR.  SCOTT. 


98 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


ly  apparent,  and  the  skillful  physician  and  faithful  friend,  widely  known  and  trusted, 
sank  to  his  last  sleep,  sincerely  mourned  by  the  entire  community.  His  death 
occurred  in  this  city  July  25,  1890.  Mrs.  Scott  still  resides,  with  her  two  chil- 
dren, Charles  R.  and  Clara  May,  in  the  beautiful  home  erected  by  the  doctor  not 
long  before  his  decease.  The  son  Charles,  if  his  inclination  be  followed,  will  take 
up  the  study  of  a  profession  of  which  his  father  was  a  shining  ornament. 

WILLIS  BUTTERFIELD,  A.M.,  M.D. 

Dr.   Butterfield  was  born  in   1848,   and   has  practiced  medicine  since    1872, 
coming  to  Belvidere  in  1885.   His  immediate  ancestors  date  from  New  Hampshire, 


UK.  WILLIS  BFTTKKFIELD. 
PHOTO  BY  YOUNDT. 

and  his  great  grandfather  and  grandfather  participated  in  two  of  the  earlier  wars 
—  the  former  as  major  of  a  regiment  from  that  state  in  the  revolutionary  conflict, 
and  latter  as  captain  in  the  campaigns  of  1812.  His  father,  who  is  now  in  Denver, 
Col.,  came  to  Illinois  in  1846.  The  doctor  was  educated  at  the  Northwestern 
University,  and  afterwTard  for  a  year  was  principal  of  a  graded  schpol  at  Byron, 
111.  On  graduation  from  the  medical  department  of  the  university  named,  at  a 
later  date  he  located  in  Iowa,  where,  at  De  Witt  and  the  Hospital  for  the  Insane 
at  Independence,  he  discharged  the  ordinary  and  special  duties  of  his  profession. 
From  there  he  transferred  his  allegiance  to  Barrington,  Cook  county,  Illinois,  at 
which  place  he  remained  ten  years  working  hard  in  a  large  and  successful  practice. 
During  his  residence  there  he  occupied  the  position  of  surgeon  for  the  Chicago  and 
Northwestern  Railroad  Company,  and  was  also  at  one  time  a  company  surgeon  of 
the  Denver  and  Rio  Grande  Railroad  in  Colorado.  Dr.  Butterlield  was  married 
to  Miss  Grace  Wells  in  1879.  They  have  three  young  daughters. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


99 


A.  C.  FASSETT. 

A.  C.  Fassett,  circuit  clerk  and  recorder,  is  one  of  the  most  popular  men  in 
Boone  county.  In  giving  a  sketch  of  him  in  "  Belviclere  Illustrated"  this  can 
truthfully  be  said.  He  is  essentially  a  man  of  the  people,  and  such  men  are 
always  well  liked.  Mr.  Fassett  was  born  in  Hartwick,  Otsego  county,  New  York, 
in  1845.  He  located  at  Garden  Prairie,  in  this  county,  in  1875,  and  conducted  a 
general  store  there  in  partnership  with  J.  D.  Rosekrans  for  nine  years.  He  was 
elected  circuit  clerk  and  recorder  in  1884,  and  is  now  in  his  third  term.  In  public 


A.  C.  FASSETT, 

CIRCUIT  CLERK. 

PHOTO  BY  YOUNDT. 

office  the  people  love  to  find  a  plain  man  and  one  who  is  courteous  and  accommo- 
dating.    Mr.  Fassett  is  all  this  and  more. 

He  enlisted  with  the  Sixteenth  New  York  Battery  when  the  war  broke  out, 
and  served  with  distinction.  He  went  in  as  a  private,  and  his  bravery  and  merit 
won  him  promotions  to  second  lieutenant.  Mr.  Fassett  was  in  many  hard-fought 
engagements,  but  did  the  hardest  fighting  at  Fredericksburg  and  at  Fort  Harris, 
near  Richmond.  He  has  been  elected  commander  of  Hurlbut  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  for 
nine  consecutive  years,  and  venerable  counsel  of  the  M.  W.  A.  for  eight  successive 
years.  He  is  one  of  the  prominent  members  of  the  Methodist  church,  being  clerk 
of  the  board  of  trustees  and  clerk  of  the  official  board.  He  has  been  superintend- 
ent of  the  Sunday-school,  and  was  for  five  years  president  of  the  County  Sunday- 
school  Association.  He  is  president  of  the  Board  of  Education  of  North  Belvi- 
dere,  having  served  in  that  capacity  for  six  years  ;  is  president  of  the  Board  of 


100 


BELVIDEKE    ILLUSTRATED. 


Trustees  of  the  Campmeeting  Association,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Public  Library 
Board.  Mrs.  Fassett's  maiden  name  was  Miss  A.  S.  Hopkins,  and  the  couple  were 
married  at  Edmeston  in  18(i6.  Their  only  son,  Will,  is  a  railway  postal  clerk, 
running  between  Chicago  and  Dubuque. 

WM.  BOWLEY,  COUNTY  CLERK. 

Win.  Bowley,  although  a  young  man,  holds  one  of  the  most  responsible  official 
positions  within  the  gift  of  the  people  of  Boone  county.  He  was  honored  a  year 
ago  by  being  elected  county  clerk  and  he  has  proved  himself  worthy  in  every  way 
of  the  trust  reposed  in  him.  Mr.  Bowley  was  born  in  Boone  county  thirty-three 


WILLIAM   BOWLEY, 

COUNTY  CLERK. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  4  NOTT. 

years  ago.  His  father  was  among  the  pioneer  settlers  of  this  section  and  was  a 
loved  and  respected  citizen. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  received  a  thorough  education  in  the  public  schools 
and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years  began  his  business  career  in  the  dry  goods  trade. 
Beginning  with  a  small  start,  he  made  heroic  and  successful  strides  towards  suc- 
cess Avhen  the  fire-fiend  destroyed  his  store  and  ruined  him  financially. 

That  the  people  of  Belvidere  and  Boone  county  have  full  confidence  in  Mr. 
Bowley  was  grandly  demonstrated  when  he  entered  the  race  for  county  clerk. 
His  opponent  was  C.  M.  Keeler,  whom  it  was  considered  impossible  to  defeat.  The 
campaign  was  a  memorable  one,  in  fact  the  most  exciting  the  county  has  known  in 
years.  Mr.  Bowley  made  a  splendid  canvass  of  the  entire  county  and  conducted 
his  campaign  like  a  veteran.  His  magnificent  work  won  for  him  a  great  victory, 
and  he  was  nominated  and  elected  by  a  safe  majority.  Since  assuming  the  duties 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


101 


of  the  office  lie  has  done  the  work  satisfactorily  and  well.  He  is  genial  and 
accommodating  and  every  possible  courtesy  is  shown  to  the  public.  The  books 
and  records  were  never  kept  in  better  shape,  all  of  which  proves  the  people  made 
the  right  choice. 

Six  years  ago  Mr.  Bowley  married  Miss  Ida  Miller,  daughter  of  Isaac  Miller, 
a  well-to-do  citizen  who  was  held  in  high  esteem.  Mrs.  Bowley  is  an  artistic 
milliner  and  conducts  fine  millinery  parlors  which  are  popular  with  the  ladies. 

The  general  opinion  is  that  County  Clerk  Bowley  is  slated  for  more  and  con- 
tinued honors,  and  he  deserves  them. 


ALD.  W.  H.  MOORE. 
PHOTO  BY  YOUXDT. 


ALDERMAN    W.     H.     MOORE. 

W.  H.  Moore  is  one  of  the  most  active  members  of  the  city  council.  He  was 
first  elected  alderman  in  1892,  serving  two  years,  during  which  time  he  demon- 
strated marked  ability  in  the  administration  of  city  affairs.  He  retired  from  the 
council  for  one  year,  and  in  the  spring  of  1895  the  people  of  his  ward  insisted  on 
his  taking  the  office  again,  and  he  was  elected  without  opposition.  Mr.  Moore's 
services  to  the  city  are  valuable.  He  is  foremost  in  advocating  needed  reforms 
and  improvements.  He  heartily  supported  the  ordinance  providing  for  a  complete 
sanitary  sewer  system  which  passed  the  council,  and  the  next  advanced  step  he 
championed  was  a  paid  fire  department,  which  the  city  badly  needed.  As  chair- 
man of  the  fire  and  water  committee,  he  was  in  a  position  to  bring  about  just 
c"°li  a  reform. 


102 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


CO        r^ 

GO   '- 


CO 


J  y 

hH       > 

o  w 


Mr.  Moore  came  to  Belvidere  from  Chicago  in  1886,  when  the  June  manufac- 
turing Company  moved  to  this  city.  In  point  of  continuous  service,  he  is  the 
oldest  employe  of  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company.  Identifying  himself 
with  the  concern  seventeen  years  ago,  he  has  worked  in  every  department,  and  the 
ramifications  of  the  sewing  machine  business  are  all  familiar  to  him.  For  some 
yeai's  he  was  shipping  clerk  and  now  holds  the  responsible  position  of  super- 
intendent of  the  foundry  having  nearly  one  hundred  and  thirty  men  under  his 
charge. 

In  the  Masonic  order  Mr.  Moore  is  prominent.  He  is  a  thirty-second  degree 
mason,  being  a  member  of  the  Freeport  Consistory.  He  is  also  a  member  of 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


103 


Tebala  Temple  Mystic  Shrine,  and  Crusader  Commandery,  Knights  Templar  of 
Rockford.  Mr.  Moore  is  popular  with  all 'classes. 

He  lives  in  a  handsome  dwelling  on  East  Lincoln  avenue  which   he   recently 
built  and  fitted  with  electric  lights  and  all  modern  improvements. 

ALDERMAN  F.  H.  DIXON, 

Contractor  and  builder,  stands  in  the  very  front  rank  of  Belvidere's  artisans.  He 
was  born  in  Oneida  county,  New  York  state,  in  1861,  and  came  to  Illinois  in  1866, 
locating  in  Boone  county.  Learning  the  carpenter's  trade  at  an  early  age  he  has 
continuously  followed  it  and  its  higher  branches  for  a  period  of  sixteen  years. 


ALD.  F.  H.  DIXON. 

PHOTO   BY  CLARK   A   NOTT. 


His  work  as  contractor  and  builder  is  the  product  of  the  last  eight  years.  Per- 
haps the  most  important  undertaking  in  his  later  experience  was  that  of  superin- 
tending the  construction  of  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company's  new  build- 
ing, erected  during  the  past  season  at  a  cost  of  $100,000.  This  was  a  charge  of 
great  responsibility,  involving  much  study  of  detail,  and  constant  watchfulness. 
Very  many  of  the  fine  public  'edifices  and  costly  private  residences  adorning  Bel- 
videre  are  the  result  of  his  careful  planning  and  supervision.  The  South  Side 
school  building  No.  1,  the  shoe  factory,  Whitman  and  Starr's  buildings,  Kuppler's 
handsome  block,  the  National's  foundry  and  milling  department,  the  latter  com- 
pleted about  three  years  ago,  and  scores  of  dwellings  ranging  from  the  cottage  to 
the  mansion,  are  testimonials  of  his  ability  and  thorough  methods.  Mr.  Dixon 
was  chosen  alderman  from  the  first  ward  at  the  spring  election  of  last  year,  and 
his  practical  knowledge  enables  him  to  render  valuable  service  in  the  council  and 
on  committees. 


104 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


ALD.  B.  F.  HARNISH. 

B.  F.  Ilarnish  is  what 
might  be  called  a  self-made 
man.  Sixteen  years  ago  he 
came  to  Belvidere  from  York, 
Pa.,  where  his  parents  reside. 
He  began  as  messenger  boy 
for  the  Western  Union  and 
Chicago  &  Northwestern 
Companies,  at  the  same  time 
turning  his  attention  to  teleg- 
raphy. He  was  gradually 
promoted  to  the  positions  of 
night  operator,  day  operator 
and  finally  chief  clerk  at  the 
local  station.  In  the  last 
named  capacity  he  rendered 
fourteen  years  of  efficient 
service.  Two  years  ago  lie 
accepted  the  position  of 
assistant  cashier  of  the  Peo- 
ple's Bank,  and  the  fact  that 
such  a  responsible  position 
was  tendered  him  is  alone 
sufficient  evidence  of  the 


ALD.  B.  F.  HARNISH. 


EX-ALD.  FRANK   KING 

PHOTO   BY   YOUNDT. 


high  place  he  holds  among 
his  fellows.  He  has  served 
as  city  treasurer  and  is  now 
in  his  second  year  as  alder- 
man. At  such  an  important 
period  in  the  history  of  Bel- 
videre it  is  well  that  so  pro- 
gressive a  citizen  as  Alderman 
Ilarnish  is  connected  with 
municipal  aclministrat  i  on. 
He  is  greatly  interested  in 
the  work  of  fraternal  and 
benevolent  societies,  and  is 
a  member  of  the  Masonic 
chapter,  Knights  of  Pythias, 
Royal  Arcanum  and  Red  Men. 
Mr.  Ilarnish  was  born 
thirty-seven  years  ago  near 
Lancaster,  Pa.  In  ]  888  he 
married  Miss  Nellie  Hayes, 
daughter  of  A.  I  layes.  They 
have  one  son.  The  friends 
of  Alderman  Ilarnish  are 
numbered  by  legions  and 
that  deservedly. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


105 


FRED  J.  EVANS. 

Mr.  Evans,  the  present  city  attorney,  was  born  in  this  county  in  1869.  His 
father,  John  Evans,  and  grandfather,  Samuel  Evans,  came  to  Boone  county  from 
Otsego  county,  N.  Y.,  in  the  pioneer  days  of  this  section.  After  finishing  a  com- 
plete high  school  course  in  1886,  Mr.  Evans  engaged  in  business,  and  remained 
therein  until  1891,  when  he  entered  the  law  department  of  the  Northwestern  Uni- 
versity. His  graduation  was  soon  followed  by  a  law  partnership  with  W.  L. 
Pierce,  and  the  firm  existed  until  April,  1893.  At  the  spring  election  of  the  latter 


FRED.  J.  EVANS, 

CITY  ATTORNEY. 
.  PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

year  he  was  chosen  by  the  people  to  represent  them  in  the  position  he  now  occu- 
pies. Excellent  service  and  superior  qualifications  ensured  his  selection  for  a 
second  term,  which  began  last  year.  In  addition  to  his  general  practice  as  an 
attorney,  Mr.  Evans  devotes  a  considerable  portion  of  his  time  to  real  estate,  in- 
surance and  loans,  and  his  clientage  is  numerous  and  increasing.  His  convenient 
offices  are  in  the  Hotel  Evans,  of  which  he  is  the  proprietor.  His  marriage  to 
Miss  Kate  B.  Lewis  of  this  city,  took  place  August  4,  1892.  They  have  one  child 
a  bright  little  daughter  about  three  years  of  age,  and  an  attractive  home  on  Locust 
street.  To  his  energy  and  progressive  methods,  coupled  with  unquestioned  relia- 
bility, may  be  attributed  the  enviable  position  he  occupies  in  the  community,  and 
his  popularity  with  all  classes. 


106 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


C.   M.   CHURCH. 

C.  M.  Church,  druggist  and  county  treasurer,  was  born  in  McHenry  county, 
111.,  and  accompanied  his  parents  to  Bonus,  Boone  county,  at  an  early  age.  He 
received  a  common  school  education,  and  turned  his  attention  to  the  drug  business, 
commencing  work  in  Belvidere  with  J.  C.  Saxton  one  of  the  earlier  pharmacists. 
He  has  been  identified  with  the  same  line  up  to  the  present  time.  In  August, 
1890,  he  opened  a  drug  store  on  State  street  where  by  careful  and  conservative 
business  principles  and  integrity  in  all  his  dealings,  he  succeeded  in  building  up  a 


c.  M.  CHURCH, 

COUNTY  TREASURER. 

trade  that  necessitated  removal  to  more  extensive  quarters.  In  November,  1894, 
he  changed  his  location  to  Murch  &  Petitt's  new  block  on  Logan  avenue,  and  opened 
one  of  the  best  pharmacies  in  the  city.  His  efforts  to  furnish  reliable  qualities  to 
his  customers  is  being  rewarded  by  a  constantly  increasing  patronage.  Seldom  do 
druggists  aspire  to  public  office,  but  Mr.  Church  is  an  exception  to  the  rule.  He 
holds  the  responsible  position  of  county  treasurer  having  been  elected  one  year  ago. 
At  the  primaries  Mr.  Church  was  pitted  against  some  strong  opponents  but  was 
chosen  by  a  large  majority.  Thus  far  he  has  given  the  utmost  satisfaction  and  by 
his  personal  attention  to  the  details  of  the  work  will  doubtless  prove  a  reliable  and 
competent  official. 

JOHN  W.  SHARP. 

Numbered  among  the  leading  men  of  Belvidere  is  John  W.  Sharp.  Mr. 
Sharp  is  a  leader  because  he  takes  an  active  interest  in  public  affairs,  and  is  among 
the  citizens  who  are  striving  to  upbuild  the  city.  He  is  the  proprietor  of  one  of  the 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


107 


largest  grocery  stores  in  Belvidere  and  his  is  a  successful  business.  He  served  two 
years  as  alderman  and  has  just  been  reflected.  His  record  in  the  city  council  was 
commendable.  He  is  now  serving  his  second  term  as  supervisor,  and  is  poormaster 
of  the  city.  In  this  capacity  much  important  charitable  work  is  under  his  direc- 
tion. He  has  a  big  heart  and  no  deserving  person  is  turned  away.  Mr.  Sharp  is 
also  a  member  of  the  North  Belvidere  Board  of  Education  and  feels  a  pardonable 
pride  in  the  $25,000  school  building  just  erected  under  the  supervision  of  the  board. 
He  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  M.  E.  church,  being  one  of  the  stewards  and  also 
treasurer.  Mr.  Sharp  is  a  man  of  high  integrity,  business-like  in  business  affairs, 


ALD.  J.  W.  ^HARP. 

PHOTO    BY   YOUNDT. 


and  affable  socially.     In  public  matters  he  looks  scrupulously  after  the  interests 
of  his  constituents. 

He  was  born  in  Lake  county,  Ohio,  in  1855.  His  parents  moved  to  Living- 
stone county,  Illinois,  in  1867,  and  he  located  in  Belvidere  eight  years  ago.  He 
and  his  family  live  in  a  comfortable  home  on  West  Lincoln  avenue.  Mr.  Sharp 
thinks  Belvidere  is  destined  to  enjoy  a  greater  growth  than  it  has  in  the  past. 

LEVI    ROBERT    F1TZER. 

Levi  Robert  Fitzer,  county  superintendent  of  schools,  was  born  in  the  town  of 
LeRoy,  in  this  county,  September  7,  1864.  His  ancestors  on  his  father's  side 
came  to  this  country  during  the  early  part  of  the  eighteenth  century  and  settled  in 
the  states  of  New  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania,  one  branch  of  the  family  having  come 
from  Germany  and  another  from  England.  Some  of  their  descendants  served 
with  the  Continental  forces  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  by  virtue  of  this 


108 


BELVIDEKE   ILLUSTRATED. 


service,  L.  R.  Fitzer  is  a  member  of  the  society,  "  Sons  of  the  Revolution."  His 
father,  Levi  F.  Fitzer,  came  to  Illinois  from  Tompkins  county,  New  York,  with 
his  parents  in  the  '40's,  and  settled  on  a  farm  near  Harvard.  In  1862  he  married 
Eliza  J.  Cummings,  was  born  in  Newark,  N.  J.,  in  1846,  of  Scotch-Irish  parent- 
age. Later  he  joined  the  Ninety-fifth  Illinois  Volunteer  Regiment  in  the  Civil 
War,  and  died  while  in  the  eervice  in  January,  1865.  In  1867  his  widow  and  the 
mother  of  L.  R.  Fitzer,  was  married  to  J.  W.  Van  Antwerp,  and  for  twenty-five 
vears  they  lived  on  a  farm  near  Capron.  Here  the  subject  of  our  sketch  spent  his 
boyhood.  He  completed  the  common  school  course  of  study  at  the  Capron  public 
school,  and  then  entered  the  Illinois  State  Normal  University,  graduating  there- 


L.  R.  FITZER. 

COVNTY  SUPERINTENDENT  OF  SCHOOLS. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A-  NOTT. 

from  in  1886.  Returning  home,  he  engaged  in  teaching  in  this  county  with 
marked  success  for  a  period  of  three  years.  Afterwards,  he  established  a  news- 
paper —  The  Jloone  County  Banner —  at  Capron,  and  conducted  it  for  nearly  two 
years.  The  publication  was  finally  disposed  of  and  moved  to  Belvidere,  and  in 
time  was  succeeded  by  the  Republican.  In  1890  he  was  elected  to  the  position 
now  so  worthily  filled,  and  re-elected  in  1894.  His  removal  to  this  city  in  1892 
was  occasioned  by  the  necessity  of  a  central  location.  That  the  important  duties 
of  the  office  have  been  discharged  with  fidelity  and  ability  is  evidenced  by  the  pop- 
ular verdict  and  by  results  apparent  from  conscientious  application  of  later-day 
methods  to  educational  supervision.  Mr.  Fitzer  was  married  October  9,  1895, 
to  Miss  Louise  M.  Swail,  a  daughter  of  the  Hon.  William  D.  Swail,  president  of 
the  People's  Bank  of  Belvidere.  He  is  one  of  the  stewards  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church,  and  is  an  active  Sunday-school  worker,  being  at  present  secre- 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


109 


tary  of  the  County  Association/  He  is  an  extensive  reader  in  various  lines  and  is 
a  young  man  of  studious  habits,  having  completed  one  term's  work  in  the  Univer- 
sity of  Chicago  during  the  past  year  in  addition  to  his  regular  official  duties. 

FLOYD  SMITH,    SHERIFF    OF  BOONE  COUNTY. 

The  chief  executive  officer  of  this  county  is  now  serving  his  first  term.  To 
properly  discharge  the  duties  of  his  position  peculiar  qualifications  are  requisite — 
among  them  a  clear  head,  cool  courage,  promptitude  in  action,  good  judgment  and 
adequate  mental  equipment.  That  these  distinguish  the  present  incumbent  are 
evidenced  by  the  fact  of  his  election  and  the  performance  of  routine  and  special 


FLOYD    SMITH, 
SHERIFF. 

work  falling  to  his  charge.  Elected  in  the  fall  of  1894  after  one  of  the  most 
hotly  contested  political  engagements  of  record  in  the  county,  by  the  largest  ma- 
jority ever  given  to  a  successful  candidate.  Prior  to  his  election  Mr.  Smith  had 
been  deputy  sheriff  for  four  years  under  his  predecessor,  so  that  the  requirements 
of  the  present  office  were  not  unfamiliar.  Previously  to  accepting  the  former  po- 
sition he  had  been  road  commissioner  for  a  period  of  nine  years.  Sheriff  Smith's 
father,  Samuel  Smith,  came  with  his  parents  to  Boone  County  from  Chenango 
County,  New  York,  at  the  age  of  thirteen  years,  in  1839,  and  thus  has  within  his 
memory  the  pioneer  and  fruition  days  of  the  two  extremes.  His  marriage  to 
Miss  Jeneatte  Storms  occurred  in  Belvidere.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  bom 
in  this  city  January  16,  1855,  where  he  has  since  resided,  with  the  exception  of  a 
few  years  passed  in  farming,  and  two  years'  absence  in  Chicago  shortly  after  the 
great  fire.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Hattie  E.  Tucker  at  Belvidere  July  24,  1889. 
He  has  one  son  of  eighteen,  by  a  former  marriage.  The  business  of  the  office 


110 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


greatly  increases  with  the  development  of  the  city  and  county,  and  its  responsi- 
bilities become  more  extended.  It  should  be  a  matter  of  congratulation  to  the 
public  that  it  is  filled  by  a  representative  citizen  entirely  worthy  the  confidence 

reposed  in  his  reliability  and  efficiency. 

* 

A.     E.    JENNER. 

Asher  E.  Jenner,  second  son  and  fifth  child  of  Stephen  and  Eliza  Jenner,  was 
born  in  the  town  of  Moriah,  N.  Y.,  April  10,  1818.  He  resided  there  until  1831, 
when  his  parents  removed  to  Chautauqua  county,  in  the  same  state.  April  10, 
1832,  he  went  to  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  where  he  learned  the  jeweler's  trade  of  James 


A.  E.  JENNER, 

CITY  CLERK. 
PHOTO   BY   CLARK   ,t   XOTT. 


Harrison,  and  remained  there  until  the  spring  of  1838,  when  he  came  to  Chicago 
by  way  of  the  lakes,  and  on  foot  from  there  to  Belvidere,  where  he  arrived  June  1, 
1838.  Here  he  opened  a  watch-repairing  shop,  the  first  between  Chicago  and 
Galena.  At  that  time  there  were  110  buildings  on  what  is  now  the  south  side, 
within  the  present  city  limits,  and  but  eleven  structures  on  the  north  side,  includ- 
ing two  frames  without  rafters.  For  the  first  three  or  four  months  he  had  charge 
of  the  post  office,  where  all  the  postal  business  of  the  county  was  transacted, 
and  knew  personally  nearly  every  inhabitant  of  the  county.  In  1840  he  was  mar- 
ried to  Mary  Jane  Cook,  who  died  in  1854,  leaving  two  sons,  Charles  J.,  ex-sheriff 
of  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  and  George  C.,  vice-president  of  the  American 
Copying  Co.,  of  Jamestown,  N.  Y.  In  1856  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Emma- 
roy  E.  Lyon,  of  Burlington,  Vt. ,  to  whom  two  daughters  were  born,  Kittie  H., 
who  resides  in  Chicago,  and  Nellie  A.,  who  died  in  1882.  He  has  been  engaged 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


Ill 


in  the  watch  and  hardware  business,  but  for  the  last  thirty-five  years  has  devoted 
himself  to  official  duties.  He  was  elected  Town  Clerk  in  1860,  and  has  been  re- 
elected  every  year  since;  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  1861,  and  has  held  the 
office  continuously  since  that  date;  was  appointed  Corporation  Clerk  in  1857,  and, 
with  the  exception  of  three  years,  has  held  this  position  jointly  with  that  of  City 
Clerk  since  then.  During  this  period  he  has  held  the  office  of  County  Treasurer 
three  or  four  terms,  besides  being  School  Commissioner  and  Clerk  of  Board  of 
County  Commissioners,  one  term  each.  These  long  terms  of  service  testify  to  the 
confidence  and  regard  of  the  public,  and  his  ability  to  still  discharge  the  duties  of 
official  position  in  an  eminently  satisfactory  manner  is  still  unimpaired. 


E.  E.   SPOONER,  .^v  • 

SUPERINTENDENT  OF  WATER  WORKS. 

PHOTO  BY  YOVNDT. 

E.    E.    SPOONER. 

Iii  few  divisions  of  public  service  is  a  competent  man  more  indispensable  as 
chief  than  in  that  of  the  waterworks  department.  Belvidere  congratulates  herself 
on  the  fact  that  the  gentleman  now  filling  this  position  has  all  the  needed  require- 
ments, and  that  his  splendid  management  has  given  us  a  system  of  which  every 
patriotic  citizen  may  well  be  proud.  E.  E.  Spooner  has  had  charge  of  the  water- 
works since  the  plant  was  first  acquired,  having  arrived  here  in  January,  1891,  to 
superintend  its  construction.  The  excellent  results  stand  as  a  monument  to  bis 
ability  and  skill.  Mr.  Spooner  is  a  native  of  Maine.  He  was  born  at  Bangor,  in 
1851.  In  1857  his  parents  moved  to  the  west,  and  settled  in  Ogle  county,  Illinois. 
His  experience  as  a  mechanic  and  engineer  extends  over  a  period  of  nearly  a  score 
of  years.  Practically,  his  first  work  was  for  A.  S.  Cox,  a  well-known  older  resi- 
dent of  Belvidere,  whose  home  was  then  at  Rochelle.  Himself  and  a  brother  con- 


112 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


ducted  mills  for  Mr.  Cox,  both  at  Rochelle  and  DeKalb,  at  the  time  of  the  Chicago 
fire.  His  next  position  was  with  Wesley  Stewart  &  Co.,  in  Lee  county,  with 
which  firm  he  remained  for  nine  years.  When  the  citi/ens  of  Rochelle  decided  to 
put  in  a  waterworks  system,  they  called  upon  Mr.  Spooner  to  take  charge  of  the 
construction,  and  he  remained  as  superintendent  for  nine  years,  or  until  he  was 
engaged  by  the  City  of  Belvidere.  Few  men  can  point  to  the  record  of  holding 
but  four  positions  since  beginning  mechanical  and  engineering  work,  but  that  is 
nevertheless  the  memorandum  possible  to  be  made  by  the  genial  Superintendent. 
The  people  of  Belvidere  hold  him  high  in  their  esteem  and  confidence,  both  as  a 
citizen  and  an  expert.  Superintendent  Spooner  is  a  member  of  Belvidere  Lodge 
A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  the  Knights  of  the  Globe,  and  the  I.  O.  O.  F. 


JOHN  THREX, 

FIRE   MARSHAL. 


JOHN  THREN. 

A  half-million  cigars  is  the  number  manufactured  and  sold  by  John  Thren  in 
a  single  year.  Mr.  Thren  has  been  in  the  wholesale  and  retail  cigar  and  tobacco 
business  in  Belvidere  for  ten  years.  He  was  born  in  Chicago  thirty-eight  years 
ago,  and  has  the  push  and  hustle  characteristic  of  the  Chicagoun.  He  has  con- 
ducted the  principal  cigar  and  tobacco  store  of  Belvidere  for  many  years.  Con- 
noisseurs aver  that  Mr.  Thren's  leading  ten  cent  cigar  "Solace  "is  not  excelled 
by  any  other  brand  made.  Mr.  Thren  was  appointed  Chief  of  Belvidere's  fire 
department  in  the  spring  of  1895.  and  the  city  never  made  a  better  selection  of 
fire  marshal.  He  has  great  confidence  in  the  future  of  Belvidere,  and  recently 
demonstrated  it  by  investing  five  thousand  dollars  in  two  South  State  street  business 
lots,  on  which  it  his  intention  to  build  at  an  early  date. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


113 


F.  L.  GOODRICH. 

The  National  Sewing  Machine  Company  has  the  good  fortune  to  be  supplied 
with  the  best  talent  in  every  department  requiring  the  oversight  of  an  expert.  One 
of  the  most  important  of  these  positions  is  that  held  by  F.  L.  Goodrich,  the  highly 
efficient  purchasing  agent,  who  associated  himself  with  the  big  concern  about  four 
years  ago,  coming  to  this  city  from  Chicago.  He  is  widely  known  as  the  inventor 
and  patentee  of  numerous  sewing  machine  attachments,  which  are  considered 
superior  to  anything  of  a  similar  nature  on  the  market.  These  attachments  are 
now  being  largely  manufactured  by  the  National.  The  "Goodrich"  attachments 


F.  L.  GOODRICH. 

PURCHASING  AGENT  NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  CO. 
PHOTO  BY  YOUNDT. 


are,  by  reason  of  priority  of  invention  and  excellence,  standard  articles,  and  as 
familiar  to  the  trade  generally  as  "  C"  sugar  to  the  grocer.  Mr.  Goodrich's  father 
was  a  pioneer  in  this  particular  line,  which  the  son  took  up  and  developed  to  its 
present  importance.  At  the  World's  Fair  the  only  medal  and  award  given  to 
exhibitors  in  this  line  was  that  for  the  Goodrich  attachments.  This  affords  a  final 
proof  of  their  superiority.  Their  use  on  sewing  machines  is  to  make  possible  the 
perfect  execution  of  fancy  work  of  eA'ery  kind.  In  another  portion  of  this  work  a 
description  of  the  attachment  department  is  given  in  detail,  and  the  manufacture 
of  these  specialties  referred  to.  Mr.  Goodrich  has  been  engaged  in  manufacturing 
for  eighteen  years.  He  was  connected  for  some  time  with  the  Goodrich  Manu- 
facturing Company  of  Chicago  as  secretary.  This  concern  did  a  large  and  profit- 
able business  for  a  number  of  years.  Now  permanently  identified  with  Belvidere 


114 


BELV1DERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


and  its  interests,  and  holding  the  most  important  relations  with  the  National  Com- 
pany. Mr.  Goodrich  is  a  valuable  addition  to  the  business  circles  of  the  city,  and 
with  his  interesting  family  to  its  best  social  element. 

HENRY  W.  AVERY. 

This  influential  citizen  was  born  in  Ledyard,  Conn.,  May  31,  1823.  The 
founder  of  the  family  emigrated  from  Salisbury,  England,  in  1630,  and  settled  at 
Gloucester,  Mass.  His  father,  Henry  W.  Avery,  a  soldier  of  the  war  of  1812, 
came  to  this  county  in  1854.  His  elder  brother,  Rev.  F.  D.  Avery,  was  pastor 
of  the  Congregational  church  at  Columbia,  Conn.,  for  forty-five  years.  The 


RESIDENCE  OF  F.  L.  GOODRICH. 


PEARL  STREET. 


subject  of  this  sketch  left  his  eastern  home  for  Illinois  in  1845,  and  in  Flora 
township,  this  county,  purchased  forty  acres  of  land  at  a  price  of  $400.  This 
small  beginning  eventuated  in  a  tract  of  three  hundred  acres.  In  1881  he  moved 
to  Belvidere.  Mr.  Avery  has  been  twice  married — to  his  first  wife  in  1844,  who 
died  in  1847,  and  to  his  present  companion,  Rachel  P.  McCord,  of  Carlisle,  Pa., 
in  1848.  His  only  child,  Elizabeth,  died  in  1880,  leaving  three  sons.  In  1842 
Mr.  Avery  joined  the  Congregational  church  at  Ledyard,  and  three  years  later 
united  with  the  Presbyterian  organization  of  Belvidere.  In  1852  he  was  ordained  a 
ruling  elder,  and  was  in  18«";5  elected  clerk  of  the  session,  which  position  he  has  held 
continuously,  and  still  occupies.  He  has  also  been  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the 
society  without  intermission  since  1870,  and  with  but  few  lapses  since  1853.  His 
particular  delight  and  success  has  been  as  a  Sunday  school  worker,  having  been 
first  elected  superintendent  of  the  Presbyterian  school  in  1846,  and  he  has  served 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


115 


thirty-two  years.  He  was  for  ten  years  president  of  the  Boone  County  Sunday 
School  Association.  An  evidence  of  the  general  confidence  in  his  ability  and 
integrity  may  be  found  in  the  fact  that  he  has  been  intrusted  with  the  care  and 
settlement  of  many  estates.  lie  has  been  secretary  of  the  Belvidere  Farmers' 
Insurance  Company  for  fourteen  years,  during  which  time  the  amount  of  risks  has 
been  increased  from  $289,387  to  $2,045,925.  He  is  president  of  the  Belvidere 
Cemetery  Association,  and  has  also  served  as  assessor,  justice  of  the  peace,  super- 
visor and  member  of  the  school  board.  In  1887  the  Freeport  Presbytery  licensed 
him  to  preach,  and  he  is  frequently  called  upon  to  supply  vacant  pulpits,  and  con- 


II.    W.  A  VERY. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &   NOTT. 

-duct  or  aid  on  funeral  occasions.  Mr.  Avery  is  a  ready  and  forcible  writer  and 
fluent  speaker,  and  has  the  esteem  and  regard  of  a  community  that  recogni/es  the 
value  of  his  public  and  friendly  services. 

GEORGE  W.  MURCH. 

This  enterprising  citizen  was  born  at  Courtland,  N.  Y. ,  January  19,  1830. 
His  parents  Martin  and  Polly  Murch,  who  remained  in  the  state  mentioned  until 
1861,  then  came  to  Belvidere,  and  resided  with  their  son,  G.  W.  Murch,  until  the 
time  of  their  decease  some  years  later.  In  1849  Mr.  Murch  forsook  the  homestead 
and  journeyed  to  the  beckoning  west,  locating  in  Putnam  county,  Illinois,  where 
he  addressed  himself  for  about  a  year  to  business  and  teaching.  With  three  other 
young  men,  in  the  spring  of  1850,  the  second  year  after  gold  was  discovered  in 
California  he  started  for  the  coast,  walking  to  St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  and  continuing 
thence  by  oxteam  across  the  plains.  After  116  days  of  travel  he  arrived  at  his 
destination  and  engaged  in  mining.  Returning  in  1852  to  Putnam  county  via 
Panama  and  New  York,  he  finally  settled  in  Belvidere  in  1853.  Here  he  opened 


110 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


a  harness  shop  with  his  brother,  L.  H.  Adding  clothing  and  boots  and  shoes  a 
few  years  later,  and  building  and  occupying  with  the  same  lines  in  1857  a  substan- 
tial block  on  the  South  side  which  was  just  beginning  to  reveal  the  possibilities  of 
trade,  they  maintained  botli  stores  until  1874.  At  this  time  the  two  stocks  were 
combined,  the  harness  department  closed  and  Mr.  G.  W.  Murch  conducted  an  ex- 
tensive business  alone  until  1873  when  he  retired.  He  was  married  to  Miss  A.  L. 
Amsden  at  this  place  in  1857.  They  have  two  children,  Mrs.  J.  F.  C.  Dick,  now 
residing  in  California,  and  Mrs.  Rev.  A.  W.  Burton,  at  home.  When  in  1886  the 
project  of  removing  the  June  Sewing  Machine  Manufactory  of  Chicago  to  this 
city  was  in  the  incipient  stage,  Mr.  Murch  was  appointed  chairman  of  the  citizen's 


G.  w.  MURCH. 

committee  having  the  matter  in  charge.  The  soliciting  of  subscriptionsTto  stock 
and  donations,  as  well  as  other  arduous  labor,  were  requisite,  and  Mr.  Murch's  tire- 
less efforts  were  largely  instrumental  in  installing  the  factory.  He  was  elected 
vice-president  and  a  director  of  the  original  company.  The  positions  of  trust  filled 
by  Mr.  Murch  have  been  numerous,  notably  those  of  town  trustee,  town  and  city 
treasurer  and  member  of  the  board  of  supervisors,  and  he  has  been  a  director  of 
the  People's  bank  since  its  organization.  Mr.  Murch  has  always  been  a  leading 
spirit  in  enterprises  of  a  public  nature,  active  in  church  and  social  affairs,  and  at 
the  front  in  business  undertakings; 

W.  S.  BROWN. 

One  might  search  the  country  over  and  not  find  a  man  more  eminently  quali- 
fied, or  one  in  whom  the  requirements  for  the  arduous  duties  of  the  position  are 
more  happily  combined,  than  W.  S.  Brown,  superintendent  of  the  great  and  grow- 
ing National  Sewing  Machine  Company.  This  is  a  position  no  ordinary  man  could 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED.  117 

fill.  Indeed,  were  its  superintendent  incompetent,  the  results  would  be  disastrous. 
Mr.  Brown's  connection  with  the  National  Company  began  eight  years  ago.  He 
came  here  to  accept  a  subordinate  assignment,  but  upon  an  early  discovery  of  his 
worth  promotion  to  the  position  of  master  mechanic  followed.  As  time  wore  on 
his  services  became  more  valuable,  and  subsequently,  when  advanced  to  the  super- 
intendency,  it  was  simply  a  reward  of  merit— a  promotion  as  deserved  as  wise  on 
the  part  of  the  Company.  lie  is  thoroughly  practical,  and  is  a  genius  in  many 
respects.  The  complete  and  systematic  organization  of  the  different  departments 
of  the  factory  is  admirable,  and  to  Superintendent  Brown,  full  measure  of  credit  for 
his  contribution  to  the  general  result  must  be  given.  W.  S.  Brown  was  born  in 


w.  s.  BROWN. 
SUPERINTENDENT  NATIONAL  SEWING  MACHINE  Co. 

PHOTO   BY    YOUNDT. 


Kellogsville,  Ashtabula  county,  Ohio,  in  January,  1855.  At  various  times  he  held 
positions  with  the  Geneva  and  the  Noble  Sewing  Machine  companies.  He  was 
for  four  years  with  electrical  manufacturing  concerns,  two  years  with  the 
Thomson-Houston  Company,  of  Lynn,  Mass.,  and  superintendent  for  some  time 
of  the  Mayo  Electric  Company,  of  Boston.  Mr.  Brown  has  a  wife  and  interest- 
ing family.  Mrs.  Brown  is  an  active  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church. 
The  Brown  domicile  on  East  Lincoln  avenue  is  pleasantly  situated,  overlooking 
the  river  and  South  Division,  and  the  plant  to  which  all  his  energies  are  given. 

J.  R.  BALL1ET. 

Ranking  high   among  the   active  business  men  of   Belvidere  is  the  subject  of 

*his   sketch.      He  was   born   in   Genoa,  DeKalb   county,    February   26,    1848,   his 

"ents    John  and  Hannah  Balliet  having  there  located  in  1846,  when  the  country 


118  BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 

was  sparsely  settled.  Having  passed  his  earlier  days  on  the  farm,  he  attended 
school  in  Woodstock,  McHenry  county,  111.,  after  which  he  taught  a  country  school 
in  his  old  neighborhood  for  three  winters.  In  1868  his  fortunes  were  cast  with  the 
people  of  this  city,  where  he  engaged  in  the  Piano,  Organ  and  Sewing  Machine 
line,  and  the  writing  of  tire  insurance,  both  of  which  he  still  continues,  having 
built  up  a  sound  and  prosperous  business.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  L. 
Detrick,  of  Belvidere,  December  23,  1874.  Besides  attending  to  his  regular  busi- 
ness, Mr.  Balliet  has  found  opportunity  to  devote  considerable  time  to  other 
interests.  He  assisted  in  organizing  and  putting  in  successful  operation  the  Belvi- 
dere Electric  Light  Company,  of  which  he  has  been  secretary  since  its  beginning. 


J.  K.  BALLIET. 
PHOTO  BY  YOUNDT. 

He  is  also  pi-esident  of  the  Belvidere  Telephone  Company,  commencing  business 
January  1,  1895,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  original  promoters.  It  has  now  over 
250  subscribers.  He  is  a  stockholder  in  the  People's  bank,  and  largely  interested 
in  the  National  Sewing  Machine  Company,  of  which  latter  corporation  he  has  been 
one  of  the  directors  since  1889.  His  fraternal  relations  are  with  the  Masonic  order, 
of  which  he  is  a  thirty-second  degree  member,  the  American  Legion  of  Honor  and 
the  Knights  of  Pythias.  Of  genial  presence,  untiring  application  and  tine  abilities, 
Mr.  Balliet  stands  among  the  leaders  in  the  social  and  business  circles  of  the  city. 

M.   G.   LEONARD. 

M.  G.  Leonard,  now  retired,  has  been  identified  with  the  business  and  com- 
mercial interests  of  Belvidere  for  nearly  half  a  century.  He  came  here  when  our 
city  numbered  less  than  one  thousand  souls.  Mr.  Leonard  was  born  in  Glovers- 
ville,  N.  Y.,  May  20,  1824.  He  attended  the  public  schools  at  that  place  and  St. 
Johnsville  until  seventeen  years  of  age,  and  then  entered  the  militai'y  school  in 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


119 


Oswego.  On  completing  the  course  there  he  engaged  in  teaching  in  Oswego  until 
1846,  when  he  emigrated  west,  settling  in  Belvidere.  The  first  thing  he  did  was 
to  secure  forty  acres  of  government  land.  Railroads  were  unknown  here  at  that 
time  and  all  produce  was  hauled  to  Chicago.  Mr.  Leonard  embarked  in  the 
mercantile  business,  keeping  a  general  store  and  continued  operations  in  that  line 
for  five  years,  when  he  turned  his  attention  to  dealing  in  real  estate  and  handling 
grain,  also  doing  an  insurance  and  banking  business.  For  forty  years  he  was  en 
gaged  in  buying  and  shipping  grain  and  for  several  years  dealt  in  coal  and  wood. 
Two  years  ago  he  sold  out  his  business  to  Marshall  Bros.  He,  however,  still  owns 
the  elevator  building  and  valuable  real  estate  in  and  around  Belvidere.  A  sad 


MAK( 'ELM'S  G.  LEONARD. 

event  occurred  July  22,  1886,  when  Mr.  Leonard's  beloved  wife  passed  away.  Her 
maiden  name  was  Mary  Root.  Two  daughters  born  to  them  died  within  two  days 
of  each  other  in  1864.  Politically  Mr.  Leonard  is  a  Republican  and  has  served  as 
alderman  and  county  superintendent  of  schools.  lie  is  one  of  Belvidere's  leading 
and  honored  citizens. 

GEORGE  M.  MARSHALL. 

Nothing  succeeds  like  success.  Among  the  young  business  men  of  Belvidere 
none  have  been  more  successful  than  George  M.  Marshall.  Mr.  Marshall  was 
born  on  a  farm  in  Sycamore,  DeKalb  county,  Illinois,  October  18,  1861,  and 
received  his  early  education  in  a  district  school,  which  he  attended  until  he  was 
sixteen  years  old,  then  he  attended  the  Sycamore  high  school  for  two  years,  after 
which  he  finished  his  education  by  taking  a  complete  course  in  Chicago  Business 
College,  after  which  he  lived  in  the  city  one  year,  acting  as  city  collector  for 
Marshall  Field  &  Co.  His  father,  Thomas  Marshall,  was  one  of  the  early  settlers 


120 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


of  DeKalb  county,  and  is  to-day  one  of  the  largest  land  holders  of  that  county 
residing  at  present  on  one  of  his  farms  in  Sycamore  township.  Mr.  Marshall  has 
been  engaged  in  the  grain  business  for  ten  years.  Four  years  ago  Mr.  Marshall 
located  in  Belvidere,  and  has  never  regretted  that  step.  He  first  purchased  a 
half  interest  in  the  old  established  elevator  and  coal  business  of  M.  G.  Leonard. 
Two  years  ago  Mr.  Marshall's  brother,  Taylor  Z.,  bought  out  Mr.  Leonard's 
interest,  and  the  firm  is  now  Marshall  Bros.  They  run  a  grain  elevator  which 
has  a  capacity  of  40,000  bushels,  and  have  an  extensive  coal  and  feed  trade. 
They  own  the  city  scales  property  at  the  corner  of  Whitney  and  Buchanan 
streets.  George  Marshall  is  a  young  man  of  great  business  capacity.  His  unques- 


GEORGE   M.  MARSHALL. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &   NOTT. 

tioned  integrity  and  uprightness  have  Avon  for  him  the  esteem  of  all  who  know 
him.  In  politics  Mr.  Marshall  is  a  Republican.  February  3,  1886,  he  married 
Miss  Susie  S.  Cottrell  of  Sycamore,  and  three  bright  and  interesting  children 
grace  his  pleasasant  home.  They  are  Florence,  Gilbert  and  Thomas.  A  few 
months  ago  Mr.  Marshall  became  owner  of  a  fine  residence  on  Pearl  street,  a 
property  worth  15,000.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Marshall  are  active  members  of  the 
Methodist  church.  He  predicts  a  flowery  future  for  Belvidere,  and  pins  his  faith 
to  this  city  by  branching  out  in  business  and  investing  in  real  estate. 

OLIVER    BECKINGTON. 

Among  the  prominent  citizens  of  Boone  county  Oliver  Beckington  has  long 
maintained  a  leading  position.  He  was  born  in  the  town  of  Spring,  this  county, 
July  27,  1848.  His  parents,  Thomas  B.  and  Sarah  Beckington,  came  direct  to  Bel- 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


121 


videre  from  Somerset,  England,  in  1847,  and  settled  on  a  farm  in  Spring  township. 
Oliver  Beckington  early  in  life  adopted  the  business  of  auctioneering,  which  he  has 
constantly  followed  for  over  thirty  years,  his  field  of  effort  being  at  first  in  the 
vicinity  of  his  home  and  afterwards  Chicago.  In  the  year  1869  he  went  to  Cali- 
fornia, where  he  remained  until  1871.  While  there  he  achieved  marked  success, 
visiting  in  the  course  of  business  nearly  every  prominent  city  in  the  state,  and 
receiving  a  medal  awarded  him  as  the  best  salesman  among  thirty-seven  competitors 
on  the  coast.  Returning  to  the  east  he  finally  established  himself  in  Belvidere, 
which  has  since  been  his  home.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Rosa  J.  Roper,  March 
25,  1875.  They  have  four  children  —  one  son,  aged  19,  and  three  daughters.  In 


O.  BECKINGTON. 
THE  NOTED  AUCTIONEER. 


the  fall  of  1886  he  made  an  independent  fight  for  the  shrievealty  of  Boone  county, 
and  it  was  one  of  the  most  closely  contested  on  record.  His  majority  was  about 
four  to  one.  The  administration  of  affairs  during  the  four  years  through  which 
he  was  an  incumbent  of  the  office,  was  most  energetic  and  capable,  and  a  reelection 
would  assuredly  have  followed  but  for  the  constitutional  limitation.  Mr.  Beck- 
ington's  business  is  still  that  of  auctioneer,  real  estate,  and  the  buying  and  selling, 
as  he  expresses  it,  of  "anything  on  earth."  As  an  auctioneer  his  fame  is  wide- 
spread, and  the  scope  of  his  operations  has  extended  to  every  adjacent  State.  With 
growing  reputation  the  sales  were  of  a  more  important  character,  involving  large 
amounts,  and  became  more  like  town  meetings  than  ordinary  vendues.  There 
probably  is  not  his  superior  in  the  successful  conduct  of  sales  of  consequence  in  the 
western  states,  while  his  public  spirit,  energy  and  open-handedness  entitle  him  to 
recognition  as  one  of  the  most  valued  members  of  the  community. 


122 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


WILLARD  T.  LONGCOR. 

Belvidere  owes  her  progress  and  development  in  different  lines,  in  a  large 
degree,  to  the  push  and  enterprise  of  her  young  men,  and  among  them  the  name  of 
Willard  T.  Longcor  is  conspicuous. 

Leonard  S.  Longcor,  father  of  Willard  T.,  was  born  here  in  1845,  and  was  one 
of  the  city's  most  successful  business  men  as  well  us  one  of  her  best  beloved  citi- 
zens. He  was  identified  in  the  upbuilding  of  Belvidere  in  various  ways.  The  L. 
S.  Longcor  business  block  on  North  State  street  was  erected  by  him.  He  passed 
away  December  5,  1 894. 


WILLARD  T.  LONGCOR. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  this  city,  August  17,  1872.  His  boy- 
hood days  were  passed  under  auspicious  skies,  and  he  was  not  slow  to  take  advan- 
tage of  the  splendid  opportunities  which  fell  to  his  lot.  After  taking  a  course  in 
the  public  schools  and  graduating  from  the  North  Belvidere  High  School,  he 
entered  Lake  Forest  University,  where  he  spent  two  years.  Subsequently  he 
became  a  student  at  Monmouth  College,  taking  the  course  of  study  antecedent  to 
law  and  journalism.  From  this  institution  he  was  graduated  with  honors  in  1894, 
the  faculty  and  trustees  conferring  upon  him  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Literature. 
Returning  to  Belvidere,  he  assisted  his  father  in  business  matters,  and  at  the  death 

O  *  * 

of  his  father  he  assumed  the  active  management  of  the  business  left  by  him. 

Mr.  Longcor  is  financially  interested  in  most  of  Belvidere's  enterprises,  and  is 
also  the  holder  of  a  large  amount  of  valuable  real  estate  in  the  city  and  surrounding 
country.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Belvidere  Gas  Light  and  Fuel  Com- 
pany, and  is  secretary  of  that  corporation  as  well  as  one  of  its  directors.  Mr. 


BELV1DEKE   ILLUSTRATED. 


Longcor  is  shrewd  and  careful  in  his  business  dealings,  and  by  his  good  financial 
policy  and  strict  integrity  has  won  the  respect  of  veteran  financiers.  Socially  he  is 
popular  with  all  who  know  him.  He  is  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  First  Presby- 
terian church,  and  in  politics  he  is  a  staunch  Republican. 


BELVIDERE  GAS  LIGHT  AND  FUEL  COMPANY. 

A  gas  plant  in  a  city  the  size  of  Belvidere  is  now  considered  a  necessity,  and 
the  works  of  The  Belvidere  Gas  Light  and  Fuel  Company  supplies  that  want. 
This  company  was  incorporated  April  15,  1895,  and  the  works  built  and  completed 
during  the  same  year.  The  mains  of  the  company  cover  thoroughly  every  part  of 
the  city,  and  consists  of  a  total  of  eleven  miles  in  actual  service.  The  apparatus 


THE  BELVIDERE  GAS  WORKS. 

used  in  making  gas  is  of  the  famous  Gilmore  type,  the  gas  being  obtained  from  gas 
oil  which  is  a  refined  product  of  crude  oil.  The  apparatus  consists  of  three  gen- 
erators, the  necessary  seals,  scrubbers,  condensers,  purifyers,  oil  and  water  pumps, 
steam  blowers,  etc.  The  company  has  one  of  the  finest  and  largest  gas  holders 
west  of  Chicago,  it  having  a  storage  capacity  of  50,000  cubic  feet  of  gas  while  the 
apparatus  itself  will  produce  300,000  cubic  feet  per  day.  The  oil  storage  tank  has 
a  capacity  of  12,000  gallons.  In  addition  to  the  regular  apparatus  the  company 
has  a  station  meter  of  the  latest  improved  pattern  at  its  works  which  registers  the 
output  of  the  gas  from  the  plant. 

Gas  when  used  in  connection  with  the  Welsbach  Burner  produces  the  finest 
artificial  light  known,  it  being  far  superior  in  quality  to  the  incandescent  electric 
and  much  cheaper,  in  fact  it  has  been  demonstrated  in  our  city  again  and  again 
that  a  60  candle  power  light  as  produced  with  gas  through  a  Welsbach  Burner  can 
be  had  at  one-third  the  cost  of  a  16  candle  power  incandescent  electric. 

As  a  fuel  for  cooking  and  light  heating  gas  has  no  equal.  It  is  cheaper  than 
coal,  wood  or  gasoline,  besides  being  more  convenient,  cleanly,  safe  and  reliable. 


124 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


Gas  was  tirst  turned  into  the  Company's  mains  October  11,  1895,  and  notwith- 
standing the  lateness  of  the  season  it  secured  and  is  now  supplying  a  large  number 
of  consumers  with  gas  for  both  illuminating  and  fuel  purposes.  The  output  for  this 
year  will  reach  nearly  10,000,000  cubic  feet.  The  stockholders  of  the  company  are 
the  following  well  known  business  men:  F.  S.  Rowan,  Real  Estate  Dealer,  Belvi- 
dere;  John  L.  Witbeck,  Director  First  National  Bank,  Belvidere;  W.  T.  Longcor, 
Real  Estate  Dealer,  Belvidere;  Irving  Terwilliger,  Cashier  Second  National  Bank, 
Belvidere;  Geo.  H.  Hurlbut,  Ex-Mayor,  Belvidere;  John  H.  Witbeck,  Vice-Presi- 
dent Fort  Dearborn  National  Bank,  Chicago;  Hon.  Win.  J.  Henlev,  Judge  of  the 


JOHN   C.  LONGCOR. 

PHOTO   BY    YOVXDT. 


Appellate  Court  of  Indiana,  Rushville,  Indiana;  Geo.  W.  Campbell,  Atty.  at  Law, 
Rushville,  Indiana;  P.  R.  Kennedy,  Alderman,  Belvidere;  Hon.  Stephen  D.  May, 
Atty.  at  Law,  Chicago;  Jesse  Wheeland,  Engineer,  C.  &  N.  W.  Ry. 


JOHN   C.  LONGCOR. 

John  C.  Longcor  was  born  in  Belvidere  August  8,  1847.  His  father.  Samuel 
Longcor,  came  here  in  1840,  and  was  widely  known  all  over  the  country,  from 
the  fact  that  he  was  the  inventor  of  the  famous  "Diamond  "  plow,  which  had  a 
large  sale.  In  his  boyhood  days  the  subject  of  this  sketch  attended  the  public 
schools,  taking  a  thorough  course  in  the  high  school.  For  some  years  he  was 
associated  with  his  father  in  the  manufacturing  business,  and  subsequently  he 
became  identified  with  the  drug  trade.  In  1874  he  established  a  drug  store  on 
North  State  street,  and  since  that  time  he  has  conducted  a  highly  successful  busi- 
ness. He  carries  one  of  the  largest  and  most  complete  stocks  in  the  city,  and  is 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


125 


regarded  as  one  of  the  substantial  business  men  who  form  the  backbone  of  Belvi- 
dere. 

Mr.  Longcor  was  married  February  16,  1881,  to  Miss  Eva  M.  Barker,  who  is 
one  of  the  city's  talented  and  accomplished  women.  She  possesses  a  tine  alto 
voice,  is  one  of  the  prominent  members  of  the  Ladies'  Lyric  club  and  leader  of  the 
Methodist  choir.  Mr.  Longcor  is  affiliated  with  the  M.  E.  church,  being  one  of 
the  trustees.  He  is  justly  popular,  and  few  citizens  are  more  highly  esteemed 
than  he.  lie  is  fairly  well  supplied  with  this  world's  goods,  a  competence  which 
he  has  accumulated  by  his  conservative  and  careful  business  policy.  He  belongs 
to  the  A.  O.  U.  W.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Longcor  have  one  of  the  finest  homes  in  the 
city  on  West  Lincoln  avenue. 


RESIDENCE   OF   FRANK   TOUSLE Y. 


ALD.  WILLIAM    H.  DERTHICK. 

Alderman  Derthick  was  born  in  this  city  January  18,  1842.  His  parents, 
Nelson  and  Margaret  Derthick,  came  to  Belvidere  from  Richfield  Springs,  N.  Y., 
in  1837.  After  i*eceiving  a  common  school  education  Mr.  Derthick,  at  the  out- 
break of  the  rebellion,  joined  the  contingent  of  ninety-day  men  sent  to  Freeport, 
which  was  mustered  in  by  General  Pope  with  Company  B,  Fifteenth  Illinois  In- 
fantry, May  24,  1861.  This  was  the  first  regiment  of  volunteers  sworn  into  the 
service  of  the  United  States  for  the  war.  At  the  surrender  of  Donelson,  engaged 
at  Pittsburg  Landing,  where  he  was  wounded;  afterwai'd  at  Vicksburg,  Avhere  he 
received  a  gun-shot  wound  in  the  knee,  and  which  finally  caused  his  discharge 
from  the  service  at  Jefferson  Barracks,  St.  Louis,  in  August,  1863,  are  events  in 
an  honorable  record.  Upon  returning  to  Belvidere  he  learned  the  painter's  and 
decorator's  trade,  and  since  acquiring  it  has,  without  exception,  been  his  own  em- 
ployer. In  1871,  during  the  rebuilding  of  Chicago,  he  obtained  several  large  con- 
tracts and  employed  175  men.  Mr.  Derthick  was  the  first  to  engage  in  artistic 
decorating  west  of  Chicago,  and  his  reputation  is  widespread.  Churches,  schools, 


W.  H.  DERTHICK'S  OPERA   HOUSE   BLOCK. 

PHOTO   BY   CLARK  &   NOTT. 


_>—"" 


INTERIOR  OF  W.  H.  DERTHICK'S  PAINT  AND   WALL   PAPER  STORE. 


PHOTO   BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


127 


public  buildings  and  residences  of  every  degree  illustrate  the  extent  and  variety  of 
his  work.  The  last  and  perhaps  crowning  effort  is  the  elaborate  adorning  of  the 
National's  superb  offices.  As  a  builder  Mr.  Derthick  has  been  conspicuous,  even 
at  a  time  when  returns  seemed  doubtful,  having  erected,  occupied  and  sold  over 
thirty-five  houses,  from  the  cottage  to  the  mansion.  Whi-n  the  June  Sewing 
Machine  Manufacturing  Company  contemplated  the  transfer  of  its  plant  to  Belvi- 
dere,  Alderman  Derthick  was  chosen  one  of  the  citizen's  committee  to  negotiate 
the  change  and  solicit  subscriptions.  His  energetic  service  contributed  largely  to 
the  successful  issue.  Mr.  Derthick  was  elected  alderman  from  the  second  ward  in 
1890,  and  served  one  term.  In  1894  he  moved  into  the  fourth  ward,  and  was 


W.  H.  DERTHICK. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 


chosen  to  fill  the  term  now  being  served.  Alderman  Derthick  has  been  an  official 
of  Hurlbut  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  this  city,  since  its  organization.  He  was  married 
in  1864  to  Miss  Charlotte  Reed,  who  died  in  1878,  and  on  April  21,  1887,  to  Miss 
Lizzie  Martyn.  The  children  by  his  first  marriage  were  Harry  and  Paul,  now 
deceased,  and  Mrs.  Piel  and  Mrs.  Merveaux,  of  this  city,  and  by  the  latter  union 
Charlotte,  now  at  the  age  of  six  years.  One  of  the  side  enterprises  undertaken  by 
Mr.  Derthick  is  the  management  of  the  Opera  House,  whose  stock  of  $17,000, 
with  the  exception  of  a  tenth  part,  he  owns.  Large  outlays  have  been  made  upon 
this  principal  place  of  entertainment,  and  its  productiveness  quadrupled.  As  a 
progressive,  public-spirited,  capable  citizen  and  official,  Alderman  Derthick  stands 
among  the  first,  and  his  constant  and  effective  'services  receive  high  appreciation. 


128 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


THE   BELVIDERE  CARPET  STRETCHER. 

The  Belvidere  Carpet  Stretcher  and  Tacker  was  invented  by  Edward  L. 
McDivitt,  of  this  ciiy,  and  he  was  awarded  patent  February  21,  1893.  In  Sep- 
tember of  the  same  year  Mr.  McDivitt  and  A.  R.  Goddard  formed  a  partnership 
firm  to  manufacture  and  sell  the  stretcher  in  the  United  States.  They  had  bnt 
little  capital  to  invest  at  that  time,  and  this  made  it  up-hill  work  in  getting  it 
started.  In  April,  1894,  Mr.  McDivitt  sold  his  half  interest  to  George  M.  Allen, 
of  Beloit,  Wis  ,  and  C.  C.  Atwood,  of  Albion,  Wis.  In  November,  1895,  Mr. 
Atwood  accepted  an  offer  to  sell  his  interest  from  E.  W.  Goddard,  of  Terryville, 


A.  R.  GODDARD  OPERATING  STRETCHER 
AND  TACKER. 


THE  STRETCHER  AND  TACKER. 


Conn.,  and  the  firm  name  was  changed  to  The  Goddard  &  Allen  Co.  The  business 
was  started  at  the  beginning  of  the  panic,  which  made  it  all  the  harder  for  the  new 
venture.  Notwithstanding,  the  firm  had  a  good  year  in  1895,  and  there  has  been 
a  decided  increase  in  the  business  so  far  this  year.  Their  goods  are  handled  ex- 
clusively through  agents,  as  Mr.  Goddard  believes  this  is  the  only  way  to  sell  and 
introduce  a  new  household  article.  If  every  family  in  the  United  States  had  a 
Belvidere  Carpet  Stretcher,  the  white-winged  dove  of  peace  would  rule  the  day 
during  the  house-cleaning  and  moving  time  period.  Those  who  have  tested  this 
remarkable  machine  unhesitatingly  pronounce  it  the  most  practical  Carpet  Stretcher 
and  Tacker  ever  offered  to  the  public.  The  writer  has  seen  all  kinds  of  Carpet 
Stretchers,  and  can  conscientiously  say  that  "The  Belvidere"  excels  anything 
ever  seen. 

This  Stretcher   is   made  of  the  very  best  material,  with  an  eye  to  durability, 
good  service,  and  neatness;  the  handle  and  sti-etcher-bar  being  made  of  hard  maple, 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


129 


the  driving-rod  of  Bessemer  steel,  with  case-hardened  tip.  A  lever  draws  the 
carpet  to  its  place,  an  automatic  device  places  a  tack  in  position,  and  a  single  blow 
of  the  driving-rod  sets  it  firmly  in  the  floor.  The  operator  maintains  an  upright 
position;  his  weight  on  the  carpet  and  Stretcher  assists  instead  of  retards  its 
working.  The  leverage  is  so  great  that  it  requires  little  effort  to  bring  the  carpet 
to  the  desired  tension  on  the  floor,  and  it  is  held  firmly  in  position  by  weight  of 
operator  until  tacked  down. 

O.  H.  WRIGHT,   SR. 

Belvidere  boasts  of  her  brilliant  sons  and  influential  men,  whose  fame  spreads 
throughout  the  entire  state  of  Illinois.  And  well  she  may  for  there  is  no  city  of 
the  size  in  the  state  that  has 
furnished  so  many  able  men. 
Chief  among  those  whose 
names  give  credit  to  the 
city  is  the  Hon.  O.  H. 
Wright,  Sr.  His  past  is  one 
of  which  any  man  might 
well  feel  proud — a  record  of 
signal  successes  in  the  busi- 
ness world  and  professional 
world,  a  succession  of 
honors  in  public  life. 

He  is  one  of  the  city's  old- 
est residents,  coming  here  in 
1855.  He  was  born  in 
Green  county, N.Y.,  in  1827. 
Early  in  life  Mr.  Wright  be- 
came a  school  teacher.  Be- 
fore coming  west  he  was 
principal  of  Greenville  (X. 
Y.)  Academy.  His  first  ex- 
perience in  Belvidere  was 
teaching.  He  organized  and 
became  principal  of  the 
Union  school.  Later  he 
turned  to  the  study  of  law 
and  read  with  General  Ste- 
phen Hurlbut,  being  admit- 
ted to  the  bar  in  1864.  In 
those  early  days  Belvidere 

had  a  corps  of  able  attorneys  and  Mr.  Wright  was  obliged  to  work  hard  to  establish 
a  law  practice.  He  was  called  the  '-teacher  lawyer"  by  his  opponents,  but  they 
soon  found  the  "teacher  lawyer"  was  made  of  the  right  kind  of  stuff.  He  soon 
demonstrated  his  ability  and  his  name  as  an  eloquent  practitioner  became  known 
in  all  the  adjoining  counties.  When  the  Republican  party  was  in  its  incipiency. 
Mr.  Wright  was  an  advocate  of  its  principles.  The  first  political  speech  he  ever 
made  was  in  1856  for  John  C.  Fremont  who  was  defeated  for  the  presidency  by 
Buchanan.  He  was  one  of  the  oiganizers  of  the  part}7  and  is  now  an  enthusiastic 
Republican.  He  says  he  always  expects  to  be  one. 

Shortly  after  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  he  was  elected  city  magistrate  and 
at  various  periods  he  has  held  the  offices  of  city  clerk,  master  of  chancery,  and  was 
county  assessor  under  the  revenue  law  eight  years.  In  1878  the  people  sent  Mr. 


HON.  O.  H.  WRIGHT. 


130 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


Wright  to  the  state  legislature  and  kept  him  there  for  three  successive  terms. 
Subsequently  Governor  Oglesby  appointed  him  one  of  the  three  penitentiary  com- 
missioners, which  by  the  way,  is  not  only  a  responsible  position  but  great  honor 
attaches  to  it  as  well.  In  this  capacity  he  served  four  years. 

Mr.  Wright  started  the  first  agricultural  implement  warehouse  in  Belvidere. 
He  erected  several  business  blocks.  One  of  those  on  South  State  street  was 
destroyed  by  fire  in  1883,  entailing  a  loss  of  $10,000  without  any  insurance,  a 
serious  loss  for  Mr.  Wright. 

Mr.  Wright  is  spending  the  evening  of  his  life  with  as  much  freedom  from 
cares  as  his  business  will  permit.  While  he  is  at  the  head  of  the  firm  of  O.  H. 
Wright  &  Co.,  his  son  Omar  takes  the  weight  of  responsibility  from  his  shoulders. 


RESIDENCE  OF  OMAR  H.   WRIGHT,  JR. 


PHOTO   BY   CLARK  A  NOTT. 


He  has  large  financial  interests  in  Belvidere  which  necessarily  require  attention. 
He  is  a  stockholder  and  director  of  the  People's  bank,  and  is  the  owner  of  con- 
siderable real  estate.  Mr.  Wright  has  a  cottage  at  Geneva  Lake,  Wis.,  where  he 
spends  the  summer,  and  also  considerable  property  in  Chicago.  He  has  done  more 
than  his  part  in  the  upbuilding  of  the  city  and  well  deserves  a  rest.  Mr.  Wright 
is  loved  and  respected  by  all  who  know  him. 

O.  H.  WRIGHT  AND  CO. 

The  firm  of  O.  H.  Wright  &  Son,  dealers  in  lumber  and  coal,  commenced 
operations  at  its  present  location  on  Pleasant  street,  April  1,  1889.  From  the 
beginning  success  attended  the  enterprise,  and  the  stock  and  facilities  were  in- 
creased, until  now  the  heaviest  and  most  varied  demands  are  promptly  met.  June 
1,  1893,  John  G.  Tripp  was  admitted  as  a  partner,  the  firm  name  changed  to  that  of 
O.  H.  Wright  &  Co.,  and  the  buying  of  grain  added  to  the  business.  Mr.  Tripp's 
long  experience  in  the  grain  market  well  qualifies  him  for  the  management  of  this 
department.  The  offices  and  yards  are  located  on  both  sides  of  the  railroad  track, 
one  block  west  of  State  street,  and  cover  an  extended  space  of  ground.  Purchases 


BELV1DERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


131 


of  lumber  are  made  in  large  lots  at  the  mills  in  Wisconsin  and  Michigan,  of  coal 
at  the  mines,  and  other  material  at  first  hand.  Nearly  everything  in  the  way  of 
building  supplies  is  handled,  with  the  addition  of  drain  tile  in  all  sizes.  Hon. 
O.  H.  Wright,  Sr.  retains  a  supervisory  interest  in  the  business,  but  the  active 
management  devolves  on  the  other  partners,  Omar  II.  Wright,  Jr.  and  Mr.  Tripp. 
The  high  position  attained  by  this  firm  is  notable  even  in  this  city  of  commercial 
surprises. 

OMAR  H.  WRIGHT,  JR. 

A  partner  in  the  firm  of  O.  H.  Wright  &  Co.,  was  born  at  Belvidere  in  1867, 
and  graduated  from  the  high  school  in  1884.  In  1885  he  was  tendered  and  accepted 
a  position  in  the  purchasing 
department  of  the  Illinois 
state  penitentiary  at  Joliet, 
and  remained  there  three 
years.  Entering  the  lumber 
and  coal  business  in  1889, 
his  energy  and  talent  con- 
tributed to  the  early  placing 
of  the  enterprise  in  the  van 
of  successful  business 
houses.  He  was  elected 
alderman  from  the  first 
ward  in  April,  1891,  and  re- 
elected  in  1893,  serving  four 
years.  He  was  among  the 
organizers  of  the  Belvidere 
Telephone  Company,  and  is 
now  its  secretary.  His  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Sarah  Burton 
took  place  at  Batavia,  Illi- 
nois, February  10,  1892. 
They  have  one  son.  In  the 
fall  of  1894  he  completed 
one  of  the  largest  and  hand- 
somest residences  in  the 
city.  It  is  situated  at  the 
corner  of  State  and  Sixth 
streets,  in  Highland  addi- 
tion, ;md  was  erected  under  plans  from  Frank  P.  Allen,  a  leading  architect  of 
Grand  Rapids,  Mich.,  at  an  expense  of  $6,000.  It  was  fitted  with  every  con- 
venience and  elegantly  furnished.  Last  November  it  was  partially  destroyed 
by  fire,  but  immediately  rebuilt.  Mr.  Wright  is  a  representative  of  the  younger 
and  progressive  type  of  merchants  whose  value  in  a  growing  city  is  highly 
estimated. 

H.  H.  RUBIN. 

"Rubin's  Bakery"  has  for  many  years  been  a  household  phrase  in  Belvidere. 
At  one  time  almost  the  only  establishment  of  the  kind  in  the  city,  it  has  been, 
enlarged,  in  keeping  with  the  general  progress,  until  everything  in  the  line 
required  by  home-providers  is  now  promptly  supplied.  It  follows  in  this  under- 
taking, as  with  most  others,  that  a  faithful  adherence  to  the  one  special  line  ensures 
proficiency  and  the  best  resultant  service.  This  was  the  policy  adopted  by  Mr. 
Rubin  years  ago,  and  now  followed.  Mr.  Rubin  was  born  in  Watertown,  Wis., 


H.  II .  RUBIN. 

1'HOTO   BY    YOUNDT. 


132 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


Februai-y  17,  1861.  Receiving  bis  education  and  learning  his  trade  at  Janesville, 
Wis.,  he  came  to  Belvidere  in  1880,  and  obtained  employment  with  W.  F.  Zeigler, 
who  was  at  that  time  the  leading  baker  of  the  town.  In  1883  occurred  his  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Rosa  Fenwick.  In  1887  he  purchased  Joseph  Fenwick's  bakery,  and 
now  carries  on  business  at  the  same  location.  An  idea  of  the  extent  to  which 
provision  is  made  for  the  public  may  be  gained  from  the  statement  that  he  uses 
about  2,000  sacks  of  flour,  100  barrels  of  sugar,  and  50  tierces  of  lard  annually. 
Mr.  Rubin  is  Treasurer  of  Kishwaukee  Chapter,  No.  90,  R.  A.  M.,  and  Past 
Grand  of  the  local  lodge  of  I.  O.  O.  F.  In  1894  the  family  residence  at  State 


H.  H.  RUBIN'S  RESIDENCE. 

and  Jackson  streets  was  completed,  and  it  is  noted  for  being  one  of  the  handsomest 
and  most  commodious   of  the  fine  structures  gracing  that    section    of   the    city. 


L.  C.  WILLARD. 

The  mercantile  interests  of  any  city  would  be  incomplete  without  a  first-class 
furniture  establishment,  such  as  is  conducted  by  the  gentleman  whose  name  forms 
the  subject  of  this  article,  and  who  may  justly  be  regarded  as  one  of  Belvidere's 
safe,  reliable  and  conservative  business  men.  Mr.  Willard  is  a  practical  and 
experienced  furniture  dealer,  having  been  engaged  in  the  business  in  Belvidere  for 
quite  a  number  of  years  ;  he  knows  when,  how  and  where  to  buy  furniture,  at  such 
prices  that  enable  him  to  give  his  patrons  the  advantage,  when  purchasing  of  him, 
of  the  lowest  possible  prices  of  any  similar  establishment  in  the  north-west.  Mr. 
Willard  is  one  of  our  active,  energetic  and  enterprising  business  men,  who  keeps 
abreast  of  the  times  by  always  handling  just  what  the  public  requires,  as  is  so 
plainly  evident  by  a  casual  glance  at  his  well,  immense  and  judiciously  selected 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


133- 


stock  of  furniture  that  is  not  excelled  or  equalled  in  variety,  quality  and  prices  in 
this  section  of  the  state,  a  fact  that  is  being  recognized  and  appreciated  by  not  only 
his  legion  of  patrons,  but  the  public  generally,  and  upon  this  hypothesis  may 
properly  be  assigned  the  fundamental  principle  of  his  chief  success  and  the 
immense  and  profitable  trade,  which  reflects  credit  upon  his  good  discretion,  that 
he  so  successfully  succeeded  in  establishing  in  Belvidere.  His  stock  of  parlor  and 
bedroom  sets,  the  most  modern  and  latest  style,  together  with  tables,  chairs,  sofas, 
desks,  rockers,  and  in  fact  everything  to  be  found  in  a  first-class  establishment  of 
a  like  character,  is  not  only  full  and  complete,  but  embraces  such  a  choice  selec- 


RESIDENCE  OF  L.  C.  WILLARD. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  XOTT. 

tion  as  will  be  difficult  to  be  seen  elsewhere.  In  connection  with  this  well  regu- 
lated establishment  is  a  first-class  undertaking  department,  under  the  personal 
attention  of  Mr.  Willard,  who  in  this  respect  knows  well  the  requirements  of  an 
undertaker,  having  served  the  people  of  Belvidere  for  the  past  twelve  years,  always 
giving  perfect  satisfaction. 

JOHN  C.  FOOTE. 

For  a  quarter  of  a  century  John  C.  Foote  has  conducted  a  drug  store  on  South 
State  street,  and  it  is  one  of  the  leading  establishments  of  the  city.  He  was  born 
in  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  September  20,  1841,  and  received  a  thorough  preparatory 
education  in  early  youth.  lie  graduated  at  Colgate  university  in  1864,  and  suc- 
ceeded his  father,  lion.  John  J.  Foote,  in  the  drug  business  at  Hamilton  in  1865. 


134 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


His  marriage  to  Miss  Helen,  daughter  of  Judge  Samuel  B.  Garvin,  of  New  York 
city,  took  place  in  1867.  Coming  to  Belvidere  in  1869,  he  founded  his  present 
business  in  1870.  His  children  are:  Mary  Helen,  May  Garvin,  Florence  Annette 
and  John  Garvin. 

Mr.  Foote  has  always  been  an  ardent  Republican,  and  while  never  caring  to 
hold  office,  has  yet  constantly  and  with  effect  interested  himself  in  political  affairs. 
Few  have  shown  a  livelier  appreciation  of  the  needs  of  the  city  or  greater  willing- 
ness to  aid  in  forwarding  every  measure  calculated  to  develop  its  resources. 
Prominent  in  business  circles,  church  affairs  and  socially,  Mr.  Foote  is  highly 
esteemed,  and  has  the  confidence  and  regard  of  the  public. 


RESIDENCE  OF  JOHN  C.  FOOTE. 


SABIN  BROS.,  DRY  GOODS. 

The  metropolitan  dry  goods  store  now  conducted  by  Sabin  Bros,  was  estab- 
lished in  February,  1866,  by  their  father,  David  D.  Sabin,  the  firm  being  D.  D. 
Sabin  &  Co.  Subsequently  H.  B.  Sykes  took  the  place  of  the  retiring  partner,  P. 
R.  Sabin,  and  continued  in  the  firm  until  1884,  when  D.  D.  Sabin  became  sole 
proprietor.  Being  capable  and  experienced  in  the  dry  goods  line,  Mr.  Sabin 
commanded  a  prosperous  patronage.  He  showed  his  enterprise  when,  in  1876,  he 
erected  the  large  business  block  now  occupied  by  Sabin  Bros.  Mr.  Sabin  con- 
ducted the  business  until  1889,  when  his  son  Sidney  A.  was  admitted  to  partner- 
ship. In  1894  the  firm  Sabin  &  Son  was  succeeded  by  Eugene  F.  and  Sidney  A. 
as  Sabin  Bros.  Prior  to  this  change  Eugene  F.  Sabin  had  been  identified  for  fif- 
teen years  with  the  large  wholesale  house  of  John  V.  Farwell  &  Co.,  and  this 
wide  experience  gave  him  peculiar  and  fitting  qualifications  which  gave  added  vigor 
to  the  business.  Sidney  A.  Sabin,  it  may  be  said,  "grew  up  in  the  business." 
After  completing  his  school  work  he  became  associated  with  the  business,  and 
spent  twelve  years  in  the  dry  goods  trade.  The  Sabin  brothers  make  a  team  that 
is  hard  to  equal.  Their  motto  is  "Best  qualities  always,"  and  the  term  "The 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


135 


D.  D.  SABIN. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 


is  twenty-five,  at  the  head  of 
which  is  Millard  Boyce, 
whose  engagement  began 
with  the  business.  Window 
screens,  wire  cloth  and  hard- 
ware specialties  are  also 
made  and  carried.  Mr.  Plane 
is  the  local  manager  of  the 
Central  Union  Telephone 
Exchange.  In  the  spring  of 
1895  the  entire  city  line  was 
reconstructed  at  an  expense 
of  $20,000.  The  service  is  at 
all  times  prompt  and  relia- 
ble. Mr.  Frank  W.  Plane 
was  born  in  Belvidere,  No- 
vember 15,  1846.  He  is  a 
son  of  John  Plane,  one  of  the 
oldest  residents.  At  the  age 
of  twenty  he  entered  his 
father's  hardware  store  as 
clerk.  His  marriage  to  Miss 
E.  L.  Post  took  place  in  May, 
1875.  They  have  one  child, 
a  lad  of  eleven  years.  Him- 
self and  wife  are  connected 


ever  busy  store "  has  been 
applied  to  their  dry  goods 
house.  Their  stock  is  al- 
ways up-to-date,  well  select- 
ed and  complete  in  all  de- 
partments, and  only  in  the 
larger  cities  can  its  equal  be 
found. 

FRANK  W.   PLANE. 

Very  prominent  among 
the  older  manufacturing 
establishments  of  this  city, 
and  indeed  of  the  country, 
is  the  Plane  Screen  Door 
Manufactory.  It  was  start- 
ed by  Mr.  Plane  in  1880. 
The  entire  product  for  that 
year  was  3,500  doors.  The 
increase  in  the  output  has 
been  gradual  but  large, 
until  now  150,000  doors  are 
annually  shipped,  requiring 
200  cars.  The  factory  is 
located  on  Pleasant  street 
and  solidly  built  of  stone. 
The  average  force  employed 


F.  w.  PLANE. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK   &   NOTT. 


136 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


with  the  South  Baptist  Church,  and  as  one  of  the  trustees  he  has  rendered  long 
and  valuable  service,  while  Mrs.  Plane  is  the  efficient  treasurer  of  the  society. 
Mr.  Plane  is  an  active,  public-spirited  citizen,  heartily  cooperating  with  his  busi- 
ness associates  in  promoting  the  interests  of  his  native  city. 

R.   C.  FRITZ. 

One  of  the  enterprises  exceedingly  valuable  to  a  building  community  is  that  of 
brick-making.  It  ensures  an  always  available  supply  of  an  indispensable  article. 
Such  an  industry  is  that  of  R.  C.  Fritz,  located  in  almost  the  heart  of  the  city. 
It  was  known  at  an  early  day  that  a  bed  of  clay,  considerable  in  extent  and  of 
excellent  quality,  underlaid  the  site  of  the  present  kilns.  Efforts  to  utilize  this 
deposit  were  made  at  intervals,  but  complete  success  had  never  resulted  until  the 


SCENE  AT  THE  BRICK  YARD  OF  R.  C.  FRITZ. 

present  energetic  proprietor  began  the  essay.  At  the  time  of  his  arrival  from 
Oridley,  111,  nine  years  ago,  the  product  could  hardly  be  given  away.  Mr.  Fritz 
had  faith,  however,  that  first-class  brick  could  be  turned  out.  New  machinery 
was  purchased,  and  numerous  experiments  were  made,  but  there  were  discourage- 
ments and  costly  failures.  In  1892  the  plant  was  entirely  wiped  out  by  flood. 
Then  fire  destroyed  the  sheds  and  a  large  part  of  the  machinery.  Yet  the  plucky 
young  proprietor  was  not  dismayed,  but  rebuilt  and  enlarged,  and  finally  placed 
the  enterprise  on  a  firm  footing.  He  now  employs  in  the  busy  season  about 
twenty-five  men,  and  turns  out  2,000,000  bricks  a  year.  The  National  Company 
was  supplied  with  100,000  for  the  outside  finishing  of  the  great  building  erected 
last  summer,  while  its  contract  for  the  inferior  inside  walls  was  let  to  foreign 
firms.  This  is  a  high  testimonial  from  a  competent  source.  The  reputation  of 
the  product  is  now  established,  and  contractors  from  a  distance  are  sending  orders 
in  liberal  volume.  Belvidere  brick  have  no  superior  in  the  state.  Mr.  Fritz  is  an 
active  member  of  the  Methodist  church  and  superintendent  of  its  Sabbath  school. 
He  also  holds  other  offices.  An  energetic,  capable,  reliable  business  man,  and 
worthy  citizen,  his  success  in  the  face  of  many  obstacles  is  a  source  of  gratification 
to  the  community. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


137 


THE  HOTEL  EVANS. 

This  well-known  hostelry  was  purchased  and  re-named  by  Mr.  Fred  J.  Evans 
in  1894.  Its  location  on  State  street,  size,  arrangement  and  furnishing  combine 
to  make  it  inferior  to  none  other  in  the  city.  Immediately  after  obtaining  control 
it  was  entirely  refitted  by  the  present  proprietor  with  all  the  modern  belongings  of 
a  first-class  hotel,  at  large  expense.  It  has  steam  heat,  electric  lights  and  annun- 
ciators, barber  shop,  baths,  spacious  sample-rooms,  free  train  service,  and  bills  of 


THE  HOTEL  EVANS. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 

table-fare  that  attract  liberal  patronage  from  city  residents  as  well  as  travelers. 
As  Mr.  Evans  personally  manages  the  hotel,  its  guests  are  always  assured  of  the 
most  perfect  care  and  attention,  which  fact,  together  with  a  moderate  tariff  of 
charges,  invariably  ensures  a  revisit  from  those  who  have  once  accepted  its  hospi- 
talities. Mr.  Henry  Sweet,  long  a  resident  of  Belvidere,  is  in  charge  of  the  office, 
a  position  held  for  some  years,  and  ably  seconds  the  proprietor  in  rendering 
acceptable  service  to  the  public. 

CAPT.  JAMES   M.  HUMPHREY. 

In  keeping  with  the  general  advancement  that  has  made  the  Belvidere  of 
to-day  are  the  progressive  ideas  of  the  dealers  in  furniture.  Where  a  few  years 
ago  limited  quarters  and  moderate  displays  were  sufficient,  now  extensive  ware- 


138 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


houses  and  great  variety  are  considered  indispensable.  Probably  the  new  build- 
ing erected  by  Captain  Humphrey  on  South  State  street,  and  occupied  nearly  in 
its  entirety  as  salesrooms,  is  unsurpassed  by  any  similar  structure  in  this  part  of 
the  state.  It  is  44x90  feet  in  extent,  two  stories  and  basement  in  height,  of  brick 
and  stone,  with  a  highly  ornate  front,  and  is  one  of  the  handsomest  business  blocks 
in  the  city.  It  is  filled  with  a  stock  from  which  may  be  equipped  the  plainest  or 
most  pretentious  dwelling.  The  undertaking  department  carries  a  full  line  of 
funeral  furnishings,  and  the  details  of  embalming  and  burial  are  attended  to  in 
accordance  with  approved  methods.  Captain  Humphrey  was  born  August  31, 
1840,  at  Danville,  Ohio.  His  parents,  Thomas  J.  and  Caroline  A.  Humphrey, 
came  to  Boone  county  in  1840,  and  located  on  a  farm  ten  miles  south  of  Belvidere. 


HUMPHREY   BLOCK   AND  J.  M.  HUMPHREY'S  FURNITURE  STORE. 

They  emigrated  from  Rhode  Island  at  an  early  date,  and  first  went  to  Ohio,  set- 
tling on  a  tract  of  land  given  his  grandfather  for  services  performed  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary war,  which  was  perforce  accepted  in  lieu  of  cash.  Captain  Humphrey 
was  educated  at  Beloit  College,  and  took  a  commercial  course  in  Chicago.  He 
was  married  to  Miss  Rosirah  Newton  in  Flora,  this  county,  December  25,  1862. 
They  have  five  children,  one  son  and  four  daughters,  all  of  whom  are  married. 
In  1864  he  raised  and  commanded  a  company  enlisted  for  the  United  States 
service,  and  which  became  Company  C,  One  Hundred  and  Forty-second  Infantry. 
For  its  share  in  the  defense  of  St.  Louis  it  received  the  thanks  of  President  Lin- 
coln, through  his  Secretary  of  War  Stanton.  Returning  to  Belvidere  Captain 
Humphrey  engaged  as  a  commercial  traveler,  farmer  and  hardware  merchant,  in 
the  order  mentioned,  opening  a  furniture  store  about  five  years  age.  One  of  his 
brothers  attained  the  rank  of  brigadier  general,  and  another  captain  of  cavalry, 
during  the  war.  He  is  a  member  of  Hurlbut  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  and  of  the  M.  W. 
A.  Enterprising  and  public-spirited,  Captain  Humphrey  keeps  in  line  with  the 
makers  of  modern  Belvidere. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


139 


WM.  SEWELL. 

In  his  own  building,  which  by  the  way,  is  one  of  the  best  in  town,  Mr. 
Sewell  conducts  a  carriage  business  on  an  extensive  scale.  His  repository  on 
North  State  street  is  a  credit  to  Belvidere.  Mr.  Sewell  was  born  in  Caledonia,  this 
county.  His  father  was  Isaac  Sewell,  one  of  the  county's  sturdy  pioneers.  Mr. 
Sewell  learned  the  carriage  making  trade  in  Beloit,  Wis. ,  where  he  had  consider- 
able experience  in  this  line.  Prior  to  moving  to  Beloit  he  held  the  office  of  town- 
ship assessor  for  Caledonia  for  several  years.  Coming  to  Belvidere  about  twenty 


WM.  SE WELL'S  BLOCK  AND  G.  A.  R.  HALL. 


PHOTO   BY   CLARK  A   NOTT. 


years  ago,  he  was  for  six  years  the  expert  and  right-hand  man  for  Captain 
Hey  wood,  one  of  the  leading  machinery  dealers.  He  was  full  of  vigor  and  enter- 
prise and  launched  into  business  for  himself.  Few  business  men  have  been  more  suc- 
cessful. An  evidence  of  this  fact  is  the  sightly  building  erected  by  himself,  in  1892, 
on  the  second  floor  of  which  is  the  Grand  Army  hall  and  which  with  the  necessary 
adjuncts  cover  a  large  space.  Mr.  Sewell  deals  in  fine  carriages,  wagons,  sleighs, 
harness,  etc.,  and  does  a  large  annual  business. 

The  North  Belvidere  school  board,  on  which  he  is  serving  his  second  term, 
conferred  an  honor  on  him,  and  placed  a  great  responsibility  in  his  hands  during 
the  past  summer.  The  magnificent  new  $25,000  school  edifice,  a  cut  of  which 
appears  elsewhere,  was  constructed  under  his  superintendency,  he  being  at  that  time 
chairman  of  the  building  committee.  Mr.  Sewell  is  held  in  high  esteem  as  a  citizen. 


RESIDENCE   OF  F.  S.  ROWAN. 

PHOTO  BY   CLARK  A   NOTT. 


PROPERTY   OF   F.  S.  ROWAN. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  NOTT. 


BELYIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


141 


F.  S.  ROWAN. 

"Just  say  I'm  in  the  real  estate  business,"  said  F.  S.  Rowan,  when  a  repre- 
sentative of  "Belvidere  Illustrated"  approached  him.  Mr.  Rowan  is  modest,  and 
dislikes  too  great  a  prominence.  His  magnificent  residence  shown  herewith  is  a 
pride  of  the  city.  Mr.  Rowan  is  president  of  the  Gas  Company,  and  a  member  of 
the  South  Belvidere  school  board.  He  is  a  man  of  high  standing  in  financial 
circles,  and  is  contributing  his  full  share  to  the  advancement  of  Belvidere.  His 
real  estate  business  is  extensive. 


THE  WHITMAN-STARR  BLOCK. 


JOHN  C.  STARR. 

John  C.  Starr  has  been  in  business  in  Belvidere  for  thirty  five  consecutive 
years.  He  bears  the  proud  distinction  of  being  the  second  oldest  business  man  in 
this  city  in  point  of  continuous  business  activity.  He  was  born  in  Whitehall, 
N.  Y.,  in  1839,  and  lived  there  until  his  parents  followed  the  western  exodus  in 
1855.  On  October  13th  of  that  year  the  family  located  in  Belvidere.  H.  G.  Starr, 
the  father,  was  an  expert  harness  maker  and  his  son,  John  C.,  followed  in  his  foot- 
steps and  became  associated  with  him  in  business.  After  spending  a  year  in  Belvi- 
dere the  Starrs  moved  to  Forreston,  Ogle  county  and  then  the  head  of  the  family 
embarked  in  the  harness  business.  In  1860  John  C.  Starr  who  had  always  longed 
to  get  back  to  Belvidere,  took  up  his  residence  in  this  city  again  and  from  that 


142 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


day  he  has  not  had  the  least 
thought  of  locating  else- 

O  "-31 

where.  Mr.  Starr  is  at  pres- 
ent located  in  one  of  the  new, 
modern  and  substantial  busi- 
ness blocks  on  South  State 
street  which  he  erected  him- 
self last  summer.  He  carries 
one  of  the  largest  and  most 
complete  lines  of  harness  in 
northern  Illinois. 

Mr.  Starr  has  held  several 
honorary  offices  in  this  city 
and  has  had  much  experience 
in  local  public  affairs.  He  is 
a  careful  and  conservative 
gentleman  and  is  one  of  Bel- 
videre's  staunchest  business 
men. 

WATKINS  AND    BURNS. 

Less  than  two  years  ago 
the  gentlemen  composing  this 
firm  opened  a  comparatively 
small  stock  of  dry  goods  in 
one  of  the  Rider  buildings 


E.  ,T.  WATKINS. 

PHOTO   BY   CLARK   &  NOTT. 


T.  F.  BURNS. 

PHOTO   BY   CXARK  &   NOTT. 


on  South  State  street,  and 
their  record  has  been  one  of 
uninterrupted  advancement. 
At  the  present  time,  occupy- 
ing one  of  the  most  perfectly 
appointed  store-rooms  in 
Northern  Illinois,  their  sales 
are  not  exceeded  by  those  of 
any  other  similar  establish- 
ment in  the  city.  The  new 
location  is  in  Central  block, 
which  was  completed  August 
],  1895,  and  upon  which  date 
the  firm  took  possession  of 
quarters  especially  fitted  for 
its  use.  The  floor  space  is 
22x125;  the  fixtures  are  of 
recent  design  and  include 
every  convenience;  bundle 
and  cash  carriers  are  used, 
and  the  store  is  warmed  and 
lighted  by  furnaces  and  gas. 
Ten  clerks  care  for  their  im- 
mense trade.  The  stock  car- 
ried is,  for  extent  and  quality,, 
far  beyond  the  average  in  a 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


143 


city  of  this  size.  It  is  kept  completely  assorted  by  the  modern  method  of  frequent 
purchase.  Under  the  three  headings:  Dry  goods,  carpets  and  cloaks,  are  in- 
cluded many  subdivisions,  all  representing  the  most  desirable  products  of  the  loom 
and  workshop.  The  enterprising  proprietors  have  achieved  a  success  that  is 
phenomenal,  even  in  this  day  of  rapid  progression. 

The  senior  partner  of  the  above  firm  was  born  in  the  town  of  Flora,  this 
county,  December  17,  1860.  His  parents,  J.  B.  and  Ann  Watkins,  came  to  this 
part  of  the  country,  the  former  in  1842  and  the  latter  in  1839.  On  their  marriage 
they  settled  on  a  farm  in  Flora,  where  they  resided  for  many  years.  Mr.  E.  J. 
Watkins,  after  completing  his  education,  turned  his  attention  to  the  dry  goods 
business,  beginning  as  a  clerk  in  1880,  and  retaining  this  position  thirteen  years. 


RESIDENCE  OF  W.  D.  CORNWELL. 

He  was  married  in  1883  to  Miss  Ida  E.  Woolverton,  of  Belvidere.  They  have 
two  daughters,  one  of  eleven  and  the  other  of  nine  years.  Mr.  Watkins  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  American  Legion  of  Honor. 

T.  F.  Bunis,  the  junior  member,  born  at  Belvidere.  January  29,  1867. 
His  parents,  C.  F.  and  Mary  Burns,  came  to  Belvidere  in  1865.  He  was  educated 
at  the  public  schools,  and  after  a  varied  preparatory  experience,  settled  down  to 
the  dry  goods  business,  which  he  has  followed  for  many  years.  His  marriage  to 
Miss  Elizabeth  Quinn,  of  Elgin,  took  place  April  30,  1890.  They  have  three 
children,  the  eldest  a  son  of  three  years.  He  is  the  treasurer  of  the  Home  Forum, 
a  member  of  the  M.  W.  A.,  and  one  of  Belvidere's  most  progressive  and  successful 
merchants. 

CORNWELL  &  CHAPPEL. 

The  members  of  this  leading  real  estate  firm  began  operations  in  February, 
1895,  and  have  since  then  prosecuted  a  most  successful  business.  Their  familiarity 
with  both  city  and  country  property  and  skillful  negotiation  of  deals,  together  with 
perfect  reliability,  have  attracted  a  large  clientage,  and  resulted  in  mutual  satisfac- 


144 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


tion  and  profit.  Some  of  the  largest  transactions  of  the  year  have  been  consummated 
through  their  agency.  They  not  only  attend  to  the  transfer  of  property,  but 
negotiate  loans,  rent  houses  and  stores,  and  perform  every  service  related  to  the 
business.  Their  success  is  in  perfect  keeping  with  the  progress  of  the  city,  to- 
which  they  have  in  no  small  degree  contributed. 

WILLIAM    D.    CORNWELL. 

was  born  at  Brantford,  Canada,  March  27,  1833.  He  came  to  Illinois  with  his 
parents  in  1845.  His  father  settled  on  a  track  of  land  in  Caledonia  township,  and 
the  son  remained  on  the  home-farm  until  arriving  at  the  age  of  fifteen.  He  was. 


REV.  J.  G.  ROCKENBACH. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  XOTT. 


then  apprenticed  to  the  mason's  trade  for  three  years.  In  1857  he  located  on  the 
farm  he  still  owns,  in  the  township  mentioned.  He  worked  at  his  trade  until  1867, 
when  he  went  to  California  and  engaged  in  the  lumber  business.  In  1871  Mr. 
Cornwell  followed  his  trade  in  Pueblo  and  Denver,  Col.  On  returning  to  thi& 
county  he  resumed  residence  on  the  farm,  and  prosecuted  his  trade  until  1890, 
when  he  was  elected  county  treasurer,  and  then  moved  to  Belvidere.  His  marriage 
to  Miss  Catherine  Chappel  took  place  in  1857.  His  present  wife  was  Miss  Mary  A. 
Getten.  Both  Mr.  Cornwell  and  his  wife  are  prominent  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church,  and  the  former  has  rendered  conspicuous  service  to  the  denomi- 
nation as  a  lay  preacher. 

w.  H.  CHAPPEL. 

Mr.  Chappel,  associated  with  Mr.  Cornwell  in  business,  was  born  in  Stafford, 
New  York  state,  April  16,  1842.  He  came  to  Boone  county  in  1855.  Learning  the 
carpenter's  trade,  he  followed  it  until  the  earlier  period  of  the  war,  when  he 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


145 


enlisted  in  Company  "K,"  95th  Illinois,  August  13,  1862.  Performing  the  full 
three  years'  service,  he  was  honorably  mustered  out.  He  was  married  to  Miss 
Rosaltha  M.  Corning  in  1867.  They  have  two  daughters,  one  of  whom  is  married. 
Their  residence  in  Belvidere  dates  from  the  fall  of  '95.  Mr.  Chappel's  business 
engagements  have  required  his  absence  from  the  county  for  many  years,  but  his 
arrangements  are  now  such  as  to  make  a  permanent  residence  possible. 

WILLIAM  H.  PIEL. 

W.  H.  Piel,  who  is  styled    "The  Logan  Avenue  Grocer,"  is  an  example  of 
how  a  pushing,  energetic  young  man  finds  his  way  to  the  front.      Six  years  ago  he 


w.  H.  PIEL. 


started  in  business  with  F.  J.  Evans,  and  for  the  past  four  years  has  been  in  trade 
alone.  His  grocery  house  is  one  of  the  most  popular  in  town.  It  is  located  in  a 
handsome  new  building  with  fine  plate  glass  front,  and  these  elegant  quarters  give 
Mr.  Piel  an  advantage  over  some  of  his  competitors.  He  carries  a  complete  stock 
of  goods  and  is  doing  a  successful  business. 

Having  been  born  and  reared  in  Belvidere,  Mr.  Piel  is  well  acquainted.  He 
has  a  reputation  for  honest  dealing  and  fair  treatment  that  is  consistently  main- 
tained. 

OSGOOD    &    ANDREWS. 

Everybody  in  Belvidere  knows  genial  Major  R.  E.  Osgood.  Years  ago  he 
established  a  livery  business  here. 

When  the  fierce  struggle  of  the  60's  began  he  enlisted  in  the  6th  Ohio  Cavalry 
and  distinguished  himself  in  service.  First  a  private,  then  second  lieutenant,  later 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


OSGOOD  &  ANDREWS'  LIVERY. 

PHOTO  BY  CXARK  &  NOTT. 

first  lieutenant,   next   captain  and  finally  major,   his  war  record  is  a  brilliant  one 

and  needs  no  eulogy. 

After  the  war  he  came  to  Belvidere  and  bought  out  Woodard  &  Lease's  livery. 

Since  that  time,  thirty  years  ago,  the  major  has  stood  by  his  post.     A  year  ago 

Elliott  Andrews,  son  of 
Deacon  Andrews,  who 
has  made  his  home  with 
Major  Osgood  for  some 
years,  was  taken  into 
partnership.  Mr.  An- 
drews is  one  of  the  hustl- 
ing young  men  of  the 
city  and  a  fresh  impetus 
was  given  to  the  busi- 
ness. Despite  the  bicycle, 
the  major  says  the  past 
year  was  one  of  the  best 
he  has  ever  had.  He 
gives  Mr.  Andrews  much 
credit  for  this.  The 
livery  business  is  con- 
ducted in  good  quarters 
on  Whitney  street.  The 
large  barn  was  built  by 
Major  Osgood  in  1871, 
after  fire  had  burned  him 
out.  Osgood  &  Andrews 
are  one  of  Belvidere's 

COMMERCE  BLOCK.  best  firms  and  are  deserv- 

OWNED  BY  j.  s.  EDELSTEIN.  }ng  of    their  prosperity. 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


147 


J.  S.  EDELSTEIX. 


JACOB  S.   EDELSTEIN. 

One  of  the  most  notable 
instances  in  this  community 
of  the  rapid  rise  to  position 
and  a  competency  from  hum- 
ble beginnings  is  that  of 
Jacob  S.  Edelstein.  Born  in 
Courland,  on  the  coast  of  the 
Baltic  sea,  in  1857,  he  cut 
loose  from  the  fatherland  in 
1881,  and  sailed  for  the 
United  States.  Landing  al- 
most penniless,  he  maintained 
himself  by  strenuous  effort 
until  1883,  when  he  came  to 
Belvidere  and  started  in  busi- 
ness in  the  smallest  possible 
way.  Everybody  here  re- 
members the  little  store  on 
State  street,  crowded  with  in- 
expensive dry  goods,  and  the 
always  present  and  industri- 
ous proprietor.  In  1884  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Johanna 
Barry.  His  assiduousness 
was  redoubled,  and  in  1885  a 
larger  store-room  was  required,  that  selected  being  in  the  Ames  block.  In  1890 
he  built  the  Edelstein  block,  a  handsome  double-store  structure,  into  one  of  which 
he  moved.  Here  for 
six  years  he  conducted 
a  flourishing  business, 
and  became  one  of  the 
leading  merchants  of 
the  city.  Outside 
operations  added  to  his 
means,  and  the  Bu- 
chanan block  was  pur- 
chased as  an  invest- 
ment. This  building 
has  recently  been  re- 
modeled and  is  a  hand- 
some ornament  to  the 
prin  c  i  p  a  1  thorough- 
fare. The  elegant  res- 
idence now  the  prop- 
erty of  Dr.  Markley 
was  built  and  occupied 
by  Mr.  Edelstein. — 
Mr.  E.'s  fine  home  is 
in  the  same  neighbor- 
hood, where  with  his 
wife  and  three  bright  THE  EDELSTEIN  BLOCK. 


148 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


children  he  intends  taking  life  with  more  ease  for  a  time,  having  retired  from  busi- 
ness early  in  the  present  year.  Mr.  Edelstein's  parents  are  still  living  in  the  old 
country,  and  it  is  his  pleasurable  duty  to  minister  to  their  wants.  His  five  brothers 
are  each  indebted  to  him  for  their  start  in  business.  Mr.  Edelstein's  career  is  but 
another  illustration  of  the  advancement  that  is  possible  in  this  country  of  bound- 
less opportunity,  and  no  other  in  like  degree. 

C.  N.  SMITH. 

C.  N.  Smith,  the  genial  postmaster,  has  made  an  enviable  record  in  Belvidere. 
He  was  born  in  Bushnell,  111.,  in  1862.      In  1881  he  came  to  this  city  and  shortly 


c.  N.  SMITH, 

POSTMASTER. 
PHOTO  BY  YOVSDT. 

afterward  began  the  manufacture  of  cigars.  Ever  since  he  located  here  he  has 
taken  an  active  hand  in  politics  and  his  good  work  for  the  democracy  gave  him  the 
postoffice.  Mr.  Smith  has  made  an  excellent  official  and  has  accomplished  more 
for  the  public  than  any  of  his  predecessors.  First  the  office  was  entirely  remodeled 
and  refitted,  but  the  most  important  improvement  in  the  mail  service  was  the 
establishment  of  the  free  delivery  system  which  was  brought  about  directly  through 
the  efforts  of  the  postmaster. 

Mr.  Smith  is  closely  allied  with  the  democratic  leaders  of  the  state  and  is 
generally  on  "the  inside.''  He  is  a  clever,  affable  gentleman  and  has  many 
friends. 

HON.  DU  FAY  A.  FULLER, 

Republican  nominee  for  representative  in  the  general  assembly,  was  born  in  the 
town  of  Flora,  in  Boone  county,  about  forty-four  years  ago.  He  has  always 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


149 


resided  on  the  farm  where  he  was  born,  although  as  district  manager  of  the  Mutual 
Life  Insurance  Company  of  New  York,  he  has  an  office  in  Belvidere.  He  is  a  son 
of  Seymour  and  Eiiza  A.  Fuller,  who  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  this  county. 
What  education  he  acquired  was  in  the  district  school,  and  his  early  Llife  'was 
passed  in  such  toil  as  is  incident  to  a  farmer's  life.  Mr.  Fuller  was  the  youngest 
son  of  the  family,  and  the  others,  going  early  out  into  the  world  for  themselves, 
seemed  to  render  it  necessary  that  Du  Fay  should  remain  at  home.  He  has  three 
brothers,  James  A.,  of  Chicago,  George  H. ,  a  banker  of  Rockwell,  Iowa,  Charles 
E.,  of  this  city,  and  one  sister,  Mrs.  F.  S.  Stockwell,  of  Cherry  Valley.  Mr. 
Fuller  has  been  somewhat  prominent  in  town  matters  in  the  town  of  ] Flora,  and 


HON.  IX  A.  FULLER, 

MEMBER   OF  THE   ILLINOIS   HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES. 

has  for  several  terms  held  the  offices  of  justice  of  the  peace  and  of  township 
treasurer.  He  is  a  man  of  sturdy  common  sense,  of  unblemished  character  and 
of  considerable  business  ability.  That  he  fully  possesses  the  confidence  and 
esteem  of  those  who  know  him  best  is  evidenced  from  the  fact  that  when  he 
became  a  candidate  for  representative,  at  the  primary  election  in  his  own  town 
there  was  not  a  vote  against  him,  and  he  had  the  enthusiastic  support  of  all  his 
neighbors.  He  is  a  member  of  the  South  Baptist  church  of  Belvidere,  of  which 
both  his  parents  were  also  members,  and  is  also  a  Mason,  an  Odd  Fellow  and  a 
member  of  several  other  fraternal  societies.  In  1876  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Jennie  Robinson,  of  Cherry  Valley,  who  died  in  1895.  One  child  preceded  Mrs. 
Fuller  to  the  other  shore. 

Mr.  Fuller  is  socially  a  gentleman,  an   honest  and  honorable  man,  whom  it  is 
a  pleasure  to  know. 


150 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


LUKE  WHEELER, 

ham  Lincoln's  great  speech 
011  that  occasion.  When  the 
Standard  was  established  the 
railroad  was  completed  to 
Huntley  only,  and  the  hand- 
press  and  boxes  of  type  were 
hauled  by  team  from  that 
place  over  muddy  roads  at 
large  expense.  At  that  time 
the  south  side  of  the  river 
could  boast  of  but  two  small 
frame  buildings.  From  1851 
to  1860  the  Standard  was  the 
only  paper  published  in  this 
county.  The  Standard  first 
occupied  a  part  of  the  build- 
ing now  known  as  Wing's 
flats,  on  East  Madison  street, 
but  was  removed  in  the  same 
year  to  a  wooden  structure  on 
Lincoln  avenue,  just  east  of 
State  street.  In  1854  the 
brick  block  on  the  corner,  in 
which  was  then  the  post- 
office,  was  destroyed  by  fire, 
which  also  partly  burned  the 


THE   "STANDARD." 

The  Standard  was  estab- 
lished in  1 851  by  Ralph  Rob- 
erts, its  present  propietor. 
It  was  not  quite  the  first 
paper  printed  in  Boone  coun- 
ty, as  about  1848-50  a  ven- 
ture had  been  made  by  a  Mr. 
Snow,  which  was  entitled  the 
Belvidere  Repubican.  Its 
existence  was  brief.  The 
Standard  was  at  first  Demo- 
cratic in  politics,  and  contin- 
ued in  that  faith  until  the 
breaking  up  of  parties  on  the 
free-soil  question,  when  the 
Whigs  and  free  soil  Demo- 
crats united  and  formed  the 
present  Republican  party. 
It  has  since  advocated  Repub- 
lican principles.  Mr.  Rob- 
erts and  Elder  L.  W.  Law- 
rence were  delegates  from 
Boone  county  to  the  first  Re- 
publican convention  at  Bloom- 
ington,  and  listened  to  Abra- 


KALPH  ROBERTS. 

PHOTO  BY  YOUNDT. 


BELYIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


151 


building  tenanted  by  the  Standard  office.  The  printing  outfit  was  then 
moved  to  a  building  opposite  the  American  House,  but  shortly  after  transferred 
to  the  brick  building  now  occupied  by  the  Standard.  The  Standard  is  now 
in  its  forty-fifth  volume.  Its  veteran  editor  has  been  at  the  helm  through  all 
these  years,  and  has  witnessed  the  growth  of  Belvidere  from  a  village  of 
four  hundred  inhabitants  to  its  present  size.  Mr.  Roberts  was  born  in  East 
Hartford,  Conn.,  in  1822,  and,  after  serving  his  apprenticeship  in  New  York 
City,  came  to  Chicago  in  1843.  He  first  located  in  Woodstock,  and  published 
there  the  Woodstock  Democrat,  and  from  thence  removed  to  Belvidere. 


A.  II.  KEELER. 

ALSON    H.   KEELER. 

Alson  II.  Keeler,  senior  member  of  Keeler  &  Truitt,  publishers  of  the  ^Belvi- 
dere Northwestern,  was  born  in  this  county  in  1854;  has  resided  here  almost  con- 
tinuously, and  therefore  needs  no  introduction  to  the  people  of  Belvidere  and 
Boone  county.  He  acquired  his  early  education  in  the  country  schools,  afterwards 
being  a  student  in  the  North  Belvidere  schools,  and  at  Beloit  College.  His  parents, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Warren  Keeler,  were  early  settlers  in  this  township.  He  has  been 
connected  with  newspapaper  work  and  the  printing  business  since  1875,  in  the 
various  capacities  from  "devil"  to  editor.  In  the  spring  of  1888  he  assumed  sole 
proprietorship  of  the  Northwestern,  and  did  not  part  with  any  of  this  valuable 
property  until  last  fall  (1895),  when  Mr.  Charles  R.  Truitt  secured  a  half  interest 
in  the  business.  Mr.  Keeler  still  owns  the  fine  building  in  which  the  Northwestern 
is  published,  and  which  he  erected  in  1892  especially  for  the  business. 

Incidentally  it  may  be  remarked  that  the  Nort/ncestern  ranks  high  among  the 
leading  country  journals  of  the  state. 

Mr.    Keeler  was    married    in  1880    to    Miss  Edith  A.   Swasey,    daughter    of 


152  BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRAED. 

the  late   Hon.    Samuel  Swasey.      They  have  one  son,  Laurence  S.,  born  Decem- 
ber 23,  1882. 

CHARLES    R.  TRUITT. 

Charles  R.  Truitt,  one  of  the  editors  and  proprietors  of  the  Northwestern^  was 
born  on  a  farm  in  Montgomery  county,  Illinois,  in  1858.  He  was  educated  in  the 
public  schools,  at  the  Hillsboro  Academy,  and  graduated  at  Williston  Seminary, 
Easthampton,  Mass.,  and  at  Lafayette  College,  Easton,  Pa.  While  at  Williston 
Seminary  he  took  the  second  prize  for  excellence  in  oratory.  After  leaving 
school,  he  taught  for  a  few  years,  being  assistant  principal  of  the  Hillsboro 
High  School  for  two  years.  Having  a  liking  for  journalism,  he  purchased  the 


(.'.  R.  TRUITT. 


Hillsboro  Journal  in  1881,  and  after  publishing  it  successfully  for  thirteen 
years,  sold  it.  He  held  the  office  of  township  treasurer  for  ten  years,  and 
during  that  time  handled  over  $100,000.  He  was  also  a  director  in  and  presi- 
dent of  the  Ilillsboro  Building  and  Improvement  Association.  In  1889  he 
was  appointed  United  States  Deputy  Collector  of  Internal  Revenue  for  the  Eighth 
Illinois  District.  Mr.  Truitt  has  always  been  an  ardent  Republican  and  has  rep- 
resented his  party  at  state,  congressional  and  county  conventions.  He  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Odd  Fellows  and  Modern  Woodmen.  He  is  married  and  has  a  family 
of  three  children.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Illinois  Press  Association,  and 
was  for  a  number  of  years  correspondent  for  such  metropolitan  papers  as 
the  St.  Louis  Globe- Democrat,  Chicago  Tribune,  Inter  Ocean  and  Record. 

In  October,  1895,  he  purchased  a  full  one-half  interest  in  the  Belvidere 
Northwestern,  one  of  the  most  prominent  and  influential  Republican  journals  in 
northern  Illinois,  and  now  considers  himself  fully  identified  with  the  interests 
of  Boone  county. 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


153 


N.  M.  YOUNDT. 

N.  M.  YOUNDT. 

The  oldest  photographic  establishment  in  Belvidere  is  that  of  X.  M. 
Youndt.  It  has  survived  the  careers,  brief  or  extended,  of  nineteen  other 
similar  enterprises.  Its  proprietor's  adherence  to  a  line  once  marked  out  exemplifies 
the  truth  that  persistence  and  faith  invariably  lead  to  success.  This  extended 
business  life  is  also  a  tribute  to  the  artistic  excellence  of  his  work.  Mr.  Youndt 
was  born  in  Trenton,  Ohio,  May  10,  1847,  but  acquired  the  details  of  the  art 
during  a  sojourn  of  several  years  in  Philadelphia,  where  his  studies  were  prose- 
cuted under  McKlees,  a  noted  German  art  photographer  and  chemist.  He  came 
to  Belvidere  in  1 879  from  Ba- 
tavia.  His  experience  in  pic- 
ture-making covers  a  period  of 
thirty  years,  and  includes  the 
production  of  every  known 
style  and  method  after  that  of 
Daguerre.  This  constant  ap- 
plication has  resulted  in  a  per- 
fect familiarity  with  all  ap- 
proved processes;  and  the 
adoption  of  the  newest  ideas 
of  value  as  developed  by  the 
specialists  of  the  profession  is 
a  practice  regularly  followed. 
His  studio  on  State  street  con- 
tains many  illustrations  of  the 
finest  effects  produced  by  late  AT  THE  BEXD  OF  THE  KISHWAUKEE  RIVER. 

•>  PHOTO   BY   W   H   ROBISSOX. 


154 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


V.  I.  CLARK. 

CLARK  AND   NOTT. 

The  members  of  this  rep- 
resentative firm  have  been  ex- 
tensively engaged  in  the  pho- 
tographic business  for  the 
past  four  years.  They  have 
two  galleries — one  in  this  city 
and  one  at  Marengo.  That  in 
Marengo  is  managed  by  Mr. 
Nott,  and  was  opened  two 
years  ago.  The  gallery  in 
Belvidere  has  been  in  opera- 
tion since  1893,  and  is  super- 
vised by  Mr.  Clark.  Their 
experience  has  been  one  of 
uniform  success,  which  is 
very  largely  due  to  the  qual- 
ity of  the  work  produced  and 
the  artistic  taste  exhibited. 
Every  detail  of  picture-mak- 
ing from  the  taking  of  the 
negative  to  the  finished  trans- 
fer is  the  result  of  facilities 
pertaining  to  their  establish- 
ments. Outside  aid  is  never 
invoked.  Only  the  best  ma- 


methods  Mr.  Youndt's  spec- 
ialty is  that  of  portraits,  a 
number  of  those  recently  tak- 
en appearing  on  these  pages, 
but  he  also  accepts  commis- 
sions for  outside  and  interior 
work  on  residences.  A  care- 
ful, painstaking,  thoroughly 
well-posted  artist,  with  taste 
and  judgment,  Mr.  Youndt 
maybe  well  assured  of  public 
appreciation.  His  marriage 
to  Miss  Lydia  M.  Longcor, 
youngest  daughter  of  the  late 
Samuel  Longcor,  took  place 
in  Belvidere  January  1,  1880. 
A  couple  of  years  ago  the  fine 
residence  on  Hurlbut  avenue 
was  completed,  and  is  an 
acquisition  to  that  street  of 
beautiful  homes.  He  is  fra- 
ternally connected  with  the 
Masons,  Odd  Fellows, 
Knights  of  the  Maccabees 
and  United  Workmen. 


J.  P.  XOTT. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


155 


terials  are  used,  the  paper  being  of  the  first  quality  and  given  the  new 
"Platinette"  finish,  so  popular  now.  The  gloss  surface  makes  the  pictures 
waterproof,  and  is  the  only  process  ensuring  durability.  Many  of  the  superb 
illustrations  and  portraits  in  this  volume  are  evidence  of  their  skill  and  thorough 
methods.  A  branch  of  the  art  to  which  great  attention  is  paid  is  that  of  water- 
color  portraits.  The  examples  of  this  treatment  on  display  are  exquisitely  beauti- 
ful. The  flash-light  is  used  with  great  frequency  for  interior  views,  while  land- 
scape and  exterior  work  is  made  a  specialty.  The  firm  also  deals  largely  in 


RESIDENCE  OF  F.  B.  ROWAN. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  A  XOTT. 

cameras,  amateur's  supplies  and  frames.  Provided  with  all  needful  accessories, 
and  devoting  their  entire  time  to  the  study  and  developing  of  the  art,  the  utmost 
satisfaction  necessarilv  follows  everv  order. 


DR.  F.  B.  ROWAN,  D.  V.  S.  AND  V.  D. 

-  Dr.  Rowan  is  an  honorary  graduate  of  the  Chicago  Veterinary  College,  and 
has  practiced  his  profession  in  this  city  for  about  seven  years.  Conveniently 
located  at  15  Logan  avenue,  his  services  are  in  constant  demand  by  those  who 
appreciate  humane  methods  and  skillful  treatment  when  applied  to  man's  noblest 


156  BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 

servant.  Not  long  ago  he  completed  one  of  the  finest  residences  in  the  city,  occu- 
pying a  choice  site  on  Logan  avenue,  a  reproduction  of  which  structure  accom- 
panies this  sketcli.  Averse  to  conspicuous  mention,  Dr.  Rowan  is  nevertheless 
one  of  our  most  valued  and  esteemed  citizens. 

W.  H.  CORNELL. 

Without  builders  no  building  could  be  done.  One  of  the  most  successful  con- 
tractors and  builders  of  whom  Belvidere  can  boast  is  W.  H.  Cornell.  Mr.  Cornell 
thinks  highly  of  Belvidere,  for  it  has  been  his  home  all  his  life.  He  was  born 
three  miles  south  of  this  city  in  1853.  His  father,  L.  P.  Cornell,  came  here  from 
New  York  in  1843,  when  this  town  was  as  scattered  as  a  boy's  first  moustache. 
When  W.  II.  was  four  years  old  his  parents  moved  to  town.  He  began  early  in 
life  to  learn  the  carpenter's  trade.  Sixteen  years  ago  he  started  out  as  a  contrac- 
tor, subsequently  forming  a  partnership  with  W.  M.  Marean.  All  over  the  city 
are  magnificent  structures,  monuments  to  their  skill  and  ability.  To  mention  all 
the  buildings  which  Mr.  Cornell  constructed  under  contract  would  require  too 
much  space.  Chief  among  them,  however,  are  the  South  Belvidere  brick  school 
No.  1,  W.  D.  Swail's  fine  home,  and  Dr.  F.  S.  Whitman's  beautiful  residence. 
For  the  past  few  years  Mr.  Cornell  has  been  in  business  by  himself,  and  the 
amount  of  large  jobs  awarded  him  is  evidence  of  his  standing  as  a  builder.  The 
past  summer's  work  included  IT.  H.  Rubin's  costly  home,  the  Witbeck-Kellogg 
double  business  block,  M.  E.  Bowley's  improvement,  Henry  Hey  wood's  $5,000 
residence,  and  a  score  of  cottages  ranging  in  cost  from  $1,000  to  $1,500.  Mr.  Cor- 
nell is  successful  at  his  business,  and  all  for  whom  he  has  done  work  praise  his 
skill.  He  is  a  stockholder  of  the  Belvidere  Electric  Light  Company.  No  one  in 
the  city  is  more  enthusiastic  over  the  city's  prospect-*  than  he. 

JAMES  WALSH, 

manufacturer  of  bottled  goods,  is  represented  in  Belvidere  by  John  Dooley,  who 
has  been  local  manager  ever  since  the  office  was  first  opened  in  1893.  He  transacts 
a  wholesale  and  retail  business,  making  the  family  bottle  trade  a  specialty.  Bar- 
reled beer  is  also  handled,  and  more  than  half  the  trade  of  Belvidere  in  this  pro- 
duct is  now  supplied  by  this  establishment.  The  beverages  furnished  by  this  con- 
cern fill  an  extended  list.  Among  them  are:  Ginger  ale,  mead,  mineral  water, 
bottled  beer,  ale,  porter  and  cider.  It  is  also  agent  for  Miller's  Milwaukee  beer. 
Purity  of  ingredients,  and  first  qualities  always,  together  with  reasonable  prices 
and  prompt  service,  are  the  factors  which  have  enabled  the  proprietor  to  build  up 
and  maintain  a  very  large  and  increasing  business  at  this  point. 

J.   H.  WOODS. 

Mr.  Woods  settled  in  Belvidere  about  five  years  ago,  and  formed  a  partner- 
ship in  the  livery  business,  which  continued  until  last  year,  when  he  became  entire 
owner.  He  was  born  in  Washington  county,  Pennsylvania,  May  19,  1847,  and 
came  West  with  his  parents  eight  years  later.  His  father  and  mother,  William 
and  Amelia  C.  Woods,  located  on  a  farm  in  Franklin,  De  Kalb  county,  in  which 
section  of  the  country  the  subject  of  this  sketch  resided  until  coming  to  this  city. 
January  1,  1868,  he  married  Miss  Marilla  Shannon,  of  Flora,  this  county  They 
have  two  childi'en,  Clarence  H.,  nineteen,  and  Bertha  A.,  twelve  years  of  age.  The 
commodious  stables,  illustrated  above,  and  used  by  Mr.  Woods,  are  at  a  central 
location  on  Logan  avenue,  and  house  an  extensive  outfit  of  reliable  drivers  and 
modern  vehicles,  which  meets  every  demand  that  can  reasonably  be  made.  He  also 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


157 


buys  and  sells  horses,  and  has  a  large  patronage  in  this  branch  of  his  business,  be- 
cause of  superior  judgement  in  choice.  Boarding  and  care  of  transients  are  feat- 
ures given  particular  attention.  Mr.  Woods  is  not  at  all  averse  to  having  it  under- 
stood that  he  is  solidly  Republican  in  politics,  and  that  he  has  the  strongest  kind 
of  faith  in  the  future  of  a  city  holding  out  so  many  promises  to  the  business  man. 
He  also  takes  a  lively  interest  in  educational  matters,  Avhich  fact  was  recognized  in 
his  selection  as  a  member  of  the  School  Board,  a  position  he  now  fills,  and  which 
the  public  exhibited  wisdom  in  making.  With  his  family  he  occupies  a  fine  resi- 
dence on  Pearl  street,  in  one  of  the  most  desirable  quarters  of  the  city. 


J.  H.  WOODS'  LIVERY  STABLE. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 


A.  F.  WHEELER. 

If  indefatigable  effort,  almost  unaided,  progressive  business  methods  and 
active  interest  in  enterprises  of  a  public  nature  make  successful  and  valued  citizens, 
then  A.  F.  Wheeler  must  be  accounted  as  being  among  the  first.  Coming  to  Bel- 
videre  in  1889,  he  immediately  engaged  in  the  clothing  and  boot  and  shoe  business, 
which  has  since  been  continuously  followed.  The  results  of  his  application  and 
the  appreciation  of  the  community  are  to  be  noted  in  the  large  establishment  on 
South  State  street,  of  which  he  is  sole  proprietor.  Here  is  displayed  everything  in 
the  line  of  apparel  for  men  and  boys  demanded  by  dressy  and  practical  buyers.  A 
specialty  to  which  much  attention  is  given  is  that  of  the  "  Happy  Home  "  ready- 
to-wear  suits,  of  which  immense  quantities  have  been  sold.  The  store  is  large,  the 
stock  fills  it  and  is  kept  well  up  to  date,  and  the  service  is  always  reliable.  Mr. 
Wheeler's  father,  George  G.,  and  mother,  Helen  M.,  came  to  Boone  county  in  1842 
from  New  York  state,  settling  on  a  farm  in  Flora.  Their  son,  A.  F.,  was  born  in 


158  BELVIDERE    ILLUSTEATED. 

the  township  just  named,  September  16,  1863.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Cora  Belle 
Clarke,  September  7,  1892,  at  Muskegon,  Mich.  Their  children  are  Violet 
Lucile  and  Florence  Emily,  the  eldest  not  quite  three  years  of  age.  He  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Masonic  order,  Royal  Arcanum  and  Knights  of  Pythias.  With  pleasant 
home  environment,  an  extended  social  acquaintance  and  a  prosperous  business,  Mr. 
Wheeler  occupies  an  enviable  position  among  the  leading  and  enterprising  mer- 
chants of  the  city. 


A.  F.  WHEELER. 

PHOTO   BY   CLARK  A   NOTT. 


THE  BELVIDERE  STEAM  LAUNDRY. 

This  extensive  plant,  opposite  the  National  Manufactory,  has  been  success- 
fully operated  by  the  present  proprietor  for  five  years.  The  amount  of  business 
transacted,  coming  from  every  part  of  the  city,  increases  with  each  year,  and  now 
requires  the  constant  employment  of  a  large  force.  The  equipment  is  of  the 
most  modern  description,  several  new  machines  having  recently  been  added,  and 
the  greatest  care  is  taken  to  turn  out  work  which  will  equal  that  demanded  in  the 
large  cities.  All  materials  from  the  coarsest  cotton  to  daintiest  lace  are  accepted,, 
and  laundered  in  the  finest  style.  The  system  is  now  so  perfected  that  an  order 
can  be  filled,  in  case  of  necessity,  within  two  hours.  The  collection  and  delivery 
service  is  always  prompt  and  reliable.  Miss  Alta  Miller,  the  proprietor,  has  fol- 
lowed the  business  for  over  twenty-five  years,  fifteen  of  which  were  passed  in  Chi- 
cago. From  that  city  she  went  to  Rock  Island,  coming  from  the  latter  place 
to  Belvidere.  Familiarity  with  every  detail,  gathered  in  this  extended  experience, 
ensures  the  perfect  finish  of  consignments  from  families  and  individuals,  and  the 
satisfaction  of  every  patron. 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


159 


GRAY  &  MORSE'S  COAL  YARDS. 

GRAY  &   MORSE. 

Three  years  ago  last  fall  H.  R.  Gray  and  S.  E.  Morse  formed  a  partnership 
in  the  grain  and  hay  business.  So  marked  was  their  success  in  that  line  they 
determined  to  branch  out,  and  a  few  months  ago  added  coal  and  feed  to  the  goods 
carried.  A  feed  warehouse  24  by  GO  and  coal  sheds  18  by  80  were  built,  thus 
making  it  a  valuable  property  and  affording  abundant  facilities. 

Mr.  Gray  ia  fifty-one  years 
old  and  was  a  farmer  living 
north  of  town  for  twenty-nine 
years.  Mr.  Morse  was  born 
north  of  the  city  forty  years 
ago.  He  remained  on  his  fath- 
er's farm  until  a  comparatively 
recent  date.  The  firm  has  al- 
ways enjoyed  a  good  trade,  and 
during  the  past  year  business 
has  been  especially  brisk.  Both 
are  men  of  high  standing. 
They  are  upright  in  their  deal- 
ings and  making  new  friends 
every  day. 

LEWIS  H.  STURGES. 
Lewis  II.  Sturges  has  made 
an  enviable  reputation  as  an 
architect.  His  change  of  resi- 
dence from  Rockford  to  Belvi- 
dere  occurred  three  years  ago. 
A  skillful  architect  is  a  valuable 
acquisition  to  a  growing  city, 
and  it  did  not  take  Mr.  Sturges 
long  to  demonstrate  his  ability 
LEWIS  H.  STURGES.  in  this  line  and  build  up  a  fine 


160 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


patronage.  One  of  his  first  essays  was  the  drawing  of  plans  for  the  March  and  Pettit 
block, one  of  the  handsomest  business  structures  in  the  city.  Other  business  build- 
ings for  which  he  furnished  plans  are  the  P.  R.  Kennedy  block,  the  Ransom  store,  and 
J.  S.  Edelstein's  fine  new  "Commerce"  block.  One  of  the  prettiest  residences  in 
the  city — the  Capt.  Hick's  house  on  Pearl  street — was  planned  and  built  by  Mr. 
Sturges.  Another  fine  house  for  which  he  drew  plans  is  the  H.  F.  Bowley  resi- 
dence on  Whitney  street.  Besides  the  above  mentioned  structures  he  has  fur- 
nished plans  for  scores  of  other  buildings,  and  in  every  instance  has  given  satisfac- 
tion. Mr.  Sturges  is  also  a  contractor  and  builder.  He  began  the  following  of 
this  trade  early  in  life,  and  there  is  no  more  expert  carpenter  and  builder  in  Bel- 


S.  PEPPERS  RESIDENCE  AND  GREENHOUSES. 


PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 


videre.  He  is  close  and  careful  on  estimates  and  captures  many  important  jobs. 
Mr.  Sturges  was  born  November  9,  1869,  in  Mt.  Morris,  N.  Y.,  and  came  with 
his  parents  to  Lindenwood,  Ogle  county,  when  six  months  old.  He  was  married 
February  28,  1894,  at  Rockford  to  Miss  Anna  Wagner.  Mr.  Sturges  is  success- 
ful in  his  chosen  calling,  and  his  business,  especially  in  the  architectural  line,  is 
increasing  at  a  gratifying  rate. 

S.  PEPPER, 

The  North  Side  florist,  came  to  Belvidere  in  1851.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in  the 
service  of  the  United  States  with  Co.  "G,"  95th  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers. 
After  participating  in  many  of  the  notable  engagements  of  the  war,  he  was  honor- 
ably discharged  August  17,  1865,  and  returned  to  Belvidere.  In  1869  he 
embarked  in  the  business  of  floriculture,  being  the  first  to  make  a  specialty  of  this- 
line  in  Boone  county.  From  small  beginnings  the  facilities  were  gradually 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


161 


extended,  until  now  his  three  large  greenhouses  and  extensive  hot-bedding  plants 
cover  a  block,  just  north  of  the  court  house,  with  the  exception  of  a  plot  reserved 
for  a  handsome  new  residence.  His  display  of  choice  roses,  plants  and  palms  of 
every  description  is  at  all  times  complete,  and  he  is  in  constant  readiness  to  furnish 
cut  flowers  and  designs  for  parties,  weddings  and  funerals.  That  his  efforts  to 
adequately  serve  the  public  are  appreciated  is  evident  from  the  very  large  patron- 
age enjoyed. 

GROGAN   &   DENNEY. 

This  popular  firm,   composed  of  J.   F.   Grogan  and  J.   C.   A.  Denney,  com- 
menced business  at  the  corner  of  State  and  Buchanan  streets  in  October,  1893.      In 


OFFICE  OF  THE  JULIEN  HOUSE. 

BELYIDERE'S  LEADING  HOTEL. 

PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 

1895,  finding  that  the  quarters  occupied  were  wholly  inadequate  to  properly  house 
their  increasing  stock,  they  removed  in  August  to  the  present  fine  location  on  the 
west  side  of  the  street  first  named.  They  deal  exclusively  in  boots,  shoes  and 
rubber  goods,  and  carry  the  most  extensive  lines  in  the  city.  Their  specialty  is  the 
finer  qualities  in  every  width  and  shape,  although  commoner  grades  receive  due 
attention.  The  shoes  carried  are  made  to  order  by  manufacturers  whose  repu- 
tation for  the  best  work  and  newest  styles  is  established.  A  short  time  ago  the  firm 
purchased  a  lot  and  building  a  few  doors  north  of  the  present  store.  It  is  the 
intention  to  remove  the  building  and  erect  a  fine  block,  fitted  particularly  for  their 
business.  Mr.  Grogan  came  to  Belvidere  from  Freeport,  this  state,  where  he  has 
always  resided,  and  Mr.  Denney  from  Ft.  Leavenworth,  Kansas.  That  they 
understand  the  requirements  of  a  first-class  trade  is  evident  from  the  character  of 
the  stock,  its  extent  and  display,  and  their  enviable  success  as  merchants. 


162  BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


C.   D.   MULFORD. 

Mr.  Mulford's  residence  in  Belvidere  began  at  a  comparatively  recent  date, 
that  of  January  22,  ]  893.  He  then  opened  a  large  stock  of  jewelry,  watches, 
clocks  and  silverware,  and  is  permanently  located  in  a  handsome  and  tastily 
fitted  store  on  South  State  street.  He  was  born  at  Cherry  Valley,  111.,  October 
8,  1870.  His  people  were  from  New  York  state,  whence  so  large  a  portion  of 
the  early  settlers  of  this  vicinity  emigrated.  After  attendance  at  the  public 
schools  of  Rockford,  where  his  education  was  completed,  he  mastered  every  detail 
in  the  trade  of  a  watchmaker  and  jeweler,  and  considers  this  the  permanent  and 
congenial  business  of  his  life.  Finishing  a  three  years'  sojourn  on  the  Pacific 
coast,  in  chai-ge  of  a  leading  hot-springs  resort  at  Foley,  he  returned  to  Illinois. 
He  was  joined  in  marriage  with  Miss  Ora,  daughter  of  W.  F.  Allen,  at  her  home 
in  Flora,  this  county,  August  17,  1892.  They  have  one  child,  a  promising  boy. 
A  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  he  finds  fraternal  welcome.  Mr.  Mulford 
is  a  gentleman  of  conservative  views,  believing  that  the  quieter  but  dependable 
methods  of  business  will  always  win  and  retain  the  confidence  of  the  public,  and 
is  a  type  of  that  valued  younger  element  which  is  infusing  life  and  energy  into 
the  commercial  and  social  circles  of  this  progressive  city. 

MISS   L.  MAE   BLOSSOM, 

Proprietor  of  an  extensive  millinery  establishment  on  South  State  street,  first 
turned  her  attention  to  this  especially  creative  art  early  in  life.  Becoming  an 
adept,  she  left  her  home  in  Rockford,  and  opened  rooms  at  Morrison,  this  state, 
and,  after  remaining  there  for  a  time,  came  to  Belvidere  about  three  years  ago, 
where  she  has  since  been  engaged  in  business.  The  large  stock,  manufactured  and 
in  material,  now  carried  indicates  rare  taste  and  care  in  selection,  and  was  bought,  as 
are  all  the  purchases  made,  from  only  leading  and  reliable  houses.  Her  produc- 
tions are  pronounced  by  those  competent  of  judging  to  be  not  merely  copies  but 
distinctive  styles  adapted  to  individual  requirements.  With  the  particular  object 
of  furnishing  the  newest  fashions  as  the  seasons  come,  and  employing  none  but 
skilled  assistants,  her  very  marked  success  is  amply  accounted  for. 

UNITY    BUILDING. 

The  splendid  stmctui'e  illustrated  on  next  page,  and  located  on  North  State 
street,  was  erected  in  1895  by  Messrs.  Witbeck  &  Kellogg.  It  is  not  surpassed  in 
design  or  exceeded  in  expense  by  any  other  in  the  city,  and  excels  in  solidity  and 
thoroughness  of  construction.  The  interior  is  arranged  for  stores,  offices  and  flats, 
with  light  basements.  The  finish  and  appointments  are  of  the  finest  and  most 
modern  description,  and  the  building  is  one  of  the  notable  adornments  of  Belvi- 
•dere's  business  streets. 

John  L.  Witbeck,  one  of  the  joint  owners,  although  now  residing  in  the  city, 
is  still  engaged  in  farming  on  an  extensive  scale.  He  was  born  in  Athens,  N.  Y., 
February  19,  1842.  Mr.  Witbeck  was  married  to  Miss  Marietta  Olney,  of  Belvi- 
dere in  1864.  They  have  five  children,  May,  .Olney,  Alice,  Ethel  and  Isaac  T. 
Shortly  after  his  marriage  he  assumed  the  management  of  the  property,  his  father 
removing  to  Belvidere.  Land  was  added  and  improvements  made,  and  this  320 
acres  is  now  one  of  the  most  valuable  farms  in  the  county.  In  1892  he  occupied  the 
homestead  in  Belvidere,  his  father  having  died  some  years  ago.  Mr.  Witbeck's 
time  is  largely  taken  up  with  other  financial  interests,  and  he  is  a  director  in  the 
First  and  Second  National  banks. 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


163 


John  L.  Kellogg,  his  associate,  was  born  in  Iowa,  and  is  forty-five  years  of 
age.  For  the  past  ten  years  he  has  been  a  resident  of  Belvidere,  but  in  the  fall  of 
last  year  removed  with  his  family  to  Rumsey,  California,  where  a  fine  fruit  farm 
was  awaiting  their  occupancy.  He  was  married  at  Sycamore,  this  state,  to  a 
daughter  of  L.  P.  Wood.  Mr.  Kellogg  is  a  veteran  railroad  conductor,  having 
been  engaged  in  that  service  for  over  twenty-five  years,  his  last  connection  being 
for  a  long  period  with  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern. 


THE  SUN 
*ILL  OPEN  NOV  9 '  W!TH  A  URGE 

• 


THE   UNITY   BLOCK. 


PHOTO  BY   CLARK  &  NOTT. 


F.  W.  STARR. 

Two  years'  experience  in  the  hardware  line  has  convinced  F.  W.  Starr  that  he 
is  at  last  fitted  into  the  right  niche.  Perhaps  the  reason  why  he  is  so  con- 
fident is  that  he  has  had  two  years  of  great  prosperity,  the  past  one  having 
been  phenomenally  so.  He  has  sold  tons  of  stoves,  and  put  in  no  less  than  sixteen 
Prince  Royal  furnaces,  certainly  an  enviable  record  for  a  new  establishment.  For 
eleven  years  he  was  in  the  wholesale  and  retail  oil  business.  Mr.  Starr  foresaw 
the  future  growth  of  Belvidere  in  time  to  make  a  small  fortune  in  the  real  estate 
business.  Some  years  ago  before  the  city  began  its  remarkable  growth  he  platted 
Hinsdell  &  Starr's  addition  and  resurvey,  F.  W.  Starr's  subdivision  and  second  sub- 


164 


BELYIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


division,  all  in  the  southwest  part  of  town.  Here  he  has  already  disposed  of 
between  300  and  400  lots,  but  still  has  left  some  of  the  best  for  building  purposes. 
Although  Mr.  Starr  is  a  native  of  Forreston,  111.,  he  has  resided  in  Belvidere 
since  infancy.  He  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church, 
being  one  of  its  official  board. 

W.  W.  BR1TTAN. 

"Always  at  the  Front"  is  the  motto  of  W.  W.  Brittan,  whose  bakery  goods 
are  known  in  nearly  every  home  in  Belvidere.  Mr.  Brittan  has  been  in  the  bakery 
trade  in  Belvidere  for  over  seven  years.  Each  year  his  business  increases,  proving 


SOUTH  STATE  STREET,  LOOKING  SOUTH  IN  BUSINESS  SECTION. 

the  popularity  of  his  goods.  Two  delivery  wagons  are  run  around  the  city  and  it 
keeps  them  busy  to  cover  the  routes.  Mr.  Brittan  recently  purchased  a  lot  on 
North  State  street  and  will  build  a  fine  bakery  establishment.  In  connection  with 
his  bakery  he  conducts  a  restaurant  and  confectionery,  and  commands  a  large  pat- 
ronage. He  is  enterprising  and  progressive  and  has  scores  of  friends.  In  short, 

he  is  one  of  the  most  successful  young  business  men  of  Belvidere. 

* 

WILLIAM  M.  SAWYER. 

The  term  "jewelry"  is  rather  comprehensive  when  applied  to  the  general 
stock  of  to-day.  So  great  is  the  variety  of  articles  combining  artistic  form  with 
practical  value,  that  the  designation  covers  many  departments.  At  a  cen- 
tral location  on  South  State  street  William  M.  Sawyer  conducts  one  of  the  most 
successful  enterprises  of  this  kind  in  the  city.  The  stock  carried  has  been  selected 
with  great  care  and  includes  everything  desirable  in  watches,  clocks,  silverware, 
optical  goods,  art  wares  and  kindred  lines.  Watch  repairing,  always  a  leading 
feature  of  the  retail  business,  is  given  especial  attention,  while  the  rule  in  regard 
to  prices  is  to  place  them  at  the  lowest  point  consistent  with  good  value.  Mr. 
Sawyer  is  a  son  of  James  W.  and  Ruie  D.  Sawyer,  and  was  born  in  St.  Louis, 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


165 


Mo.,  October  6,  1869.  His  father  came  with  his  parents  to  Cook  county,  this 
state,  in  1836,  from  Stockbridge,  Vt.  In  1860  he  went  to  Wisconsin,  and  at  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war  enlisted  in  the  First  Wisconsin  battery.  On  his  dis- 
charge he  located  at  St.  Louis,  remaining  there  until  1870,  when  he  came  to  Bel- 
videre  and  embarked  in  the  lumber  business.  In  1876  he  was  elected  circuit  clerk 
of  this  county,  and  reflected  in  1880,  but  died  in  1884,  a  short  time  prior  to  the 
expiration  of  his  term.  Mr.  Sawyer  will  be  remembered  as  an  exceptionally 
capable  and  popular  official.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  has  been  in  business  for 
himself  only  four  years,  but  in  that  time  has  built  up  a  trade  which  compares 
favorably  with  that  of  older  houses,  and  is  constantly  increasing.  He  was  mar- 


\V.M.  M.  SAWYER. 

PHOTO   BY   CLARK  &  NOTT. 


ried  to  Miss  Linnie  Macdonald,  of  Belvidere,  October  2,  1893.  They  have  one 
son,  James  Donald,  born  March  30,  1896.  Mr.  Sawyer  is  fraternally  connected 
with  the  Sons  of  Veterans  and  Royal  Arcanum. 


SENNEFF  &   PILE. 

The  addition  to  the  merchants  of  Belvidere  of  such  an  enterprising  firm  as 
Senneff  &  Pile  gives  us  a  confectionery,  fruit  and  cigar  store  which  would  do  credit 
to  a  city  five  times  as  large.  Less  than  a  year  ago  this  firm  moved  here  from 
Chicago.  Their  place  is  fitted  up  in  elegant  fashion,  the  fixtures  alone  costing  a 
small  fortune.  The  soda  fountain  is  a  magnificent  adornment.  Senneff  &  Pile 
handle  a  line  of  fancy  candies  of  their  own  make  that  few  stores  can  equal.  They 
also  handle  one  of  the  largest  lines  of  choice  cigars  in  town.  In  fact  they  run  their 
business  in  Chicago  style,  and  the  people  point  with  pride  to  their  store.  Besides 


166  BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 

manufacturing  fancy  candies  for  the  wholesale  as  well  as  the  retail  trade  they  make 
ice  cream  of  the  most  delicious  kind.  The  firm  has  a  store  in  Dixon,  111.,  and  both 
are  run  in  metropolitan  style.  Mr.  Pile  has  charge  of  the  Belvidere  store,  and 
although  not  one  of  the  old  business  men  of  the  city,  he  has  already  established 
himself  firmly  in  business  Belvidere.  He  is  an  expert  candymaker,  and  it  will  not 
be  long  before  Belvidere  candy  will  be  known  all  over  this  section. 

REICHERT  BROS. 

At  the  corner  of  State  street  and  Logan  avenue  is  one  of  the  most  complete 
hardware  establishments  in  the  city.  The  proprietors,  Reichert  Brothers,  came 
here  about  two  years  ago  from  the  east,  and  have  demonstrated  that  they  know 
how  to  conduct  a  first-class  hardware  store.  The  members  of  the  firm  are  H.  H. 
and  Chas.  T.  Reichert,  both  of  whom  have  had  ample  experience  in  this  line. 


F.    S.    PI  EL. 

F.  S.   PIEL. 

At  the  corner  of  North  State  street  and  Lincoln  avenue  is  a  popular  grocery 
establishment  whose  proprietor  is  F.  S.  Piel  Mr.  Piel  was  born  and  reared  in 
Belvidere,  and  therefoi-e  has  a  wide  acquaintance.  His  father,  Richard  Piel,  was 
one  of  the  oldest  settlers.  Eight  years  ago  he  embarked  in  the  line  of  business 
since  followed,  and  his  trade  has  kept  pace  with  the  growth  of  the  city.  Long 
experience,  good  judgment  in  purchasing  and  fair  dealing,  have  attracted  a  de- 
sirable and  extended  list  of  customers.  Mr.  Piel's  confidence  in  the  future  of 
Belvidere  is  manifested  in  the  constant  increase  of  stock.  His  business  and  social 
standing  is  high,  and  he  is  to  be  numbered  among  the  younger  and  enterprising 
merchants  who  have  been  the  principal  factors  in  the  city's  later  advancement. 

MOSES  LUCAS 

Is  one  of  the  reliable  and  well-known  citizens  of  Belvidere,  whose  acquaint- 
ance, from  long  residence  and  frequent  contact  with  the  people,  is  coextensive 
with  the  limits  of  the  county.  He  was  born  in  Flora,  this  county,  June  1,  1851. 
He  was  a  son  of  Horace  and  Elizabeth  Lucas,  who  came  from  the  East  to  Boone 
county  in  1836,  this  date  marking  them  as  among  the  earliest  pioneers,  and 


BELVIDERE   ILLUSTRATED. 


167 


settled  on  a  farm  in  Flora.  An  elder  brother  was  the  second  child  born  in  this 
county,  one  other  ranking  him  but  two  or  three  months.  In  1869  Mr.  Lucas  left 
the  farm  and  cast  his  lot  with  the  people  of  Belvidere.  He  engaged  with  E.  W. 
Case  the  grocery  dealer  as  clerk,  and  remained  with  him  for  a  consecutive  period 
of  fourteen  years.  Upon  terminating  this  connection  he  followed  the  avocation  of 
farming  for  some  years,  but  finally  began  business  for  himself  in  feed  and  grain, 
and  is  now  located  on  South  State  street.  Mr.  Lucas  was  married  to  Miss  Nettie 
Lane  of  this  city.  They  have  one  son,  Bert  R.,  now  in  the  employ  of  the  North- 
western. The  elegant  new  home  on  Pearl  street  has  recently  been  completed  and 
occupied  by  the  family. 


WILBUR   HAMMOND, 
BELVIDERE'S  SPIRITUALISTIC    HEALER. 

HAMMOND,  THE   HEALER. 

Belvidere  has  been  widely  advertised  by  Wilbur  Hammond,  the  healer,  whose 
marvelous  cures  have  astonished  all  who  have  heard  of  them.  Many  refuse  to 
believe  that  Hammond  can  heal  by  his  magnetic  touch,  but  the  recorded  cases  of 
cure  stand  as  evidence.  Hammond  was  born  north  of  the  city  on  a  farm.  He 
has  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  spiritualistic  matters.  Not  until  about  a  year 
ago  did  he  discover  his  power  of  healing.  He  goes  into  a  trance  and  claims  to  be 
controlled  by  a  deceased  German  physician.  Patients  from  far  and  near  flock  to 
Belvidei-e  to  be  "treated"  by  the  healer. 


A.  SCHERRER, 

Manager  of  the  Scherrer  Tailoring  Company,  one  of  the  leading  outfitting  estab- 
lishments of  the  city,  was  born  at  Williamsburg,  N.  Y.,  in  1856.  Subsequent  to 
a  trial  of  various  locations  he  came  to  Belvidere,  about  eleven  years  ago,  and  for 
several  years  had  charge  of  J.  M.  Glasner's  tailoring  department.  His  present 
quarters  are  on  North  State  street,  in  the  Opera  House  block,  where,  with  fine 
assortment  of  foreign  and  domestic  woolens  and  the  most  competent  workmen,  he 
caters  to  those  inclined  to  obtain  the  best  in  ordered  garments  at  reasonable  prices. 
Mr.  Scherrer  is  a  charter  member  of  Boone  Camp  51,  M.  W.  A.,  and  commander 


168 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


of  Kisbwaukee  Tent  61,  K.  O.  T.  M.  He  is  also  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  First 
Presbyterian  church,  of  which  he  is  an  active  member.  He  was  married  to  Miss 
Ellen  Fraher  in  1880,  at  Clyde,  New  York  state.  They  have  two  promising  chil- 
dren, a  daughter  and  son. 

JONES  AND  WINNIE. 

This  enterprising  firm  is  among  the  newer  additions  to  the  commercial  interests 
of  Belvidere.  Opening  last  fall  a  complete  stock  of  groceries  in  the  Longcor 
block,  on  North  State  street,  it  attracted  by  the  extent  and  variety  of  the  display 
a  large  patronage  which  increases  as  time  familiarizes  the  public  with  its  methods 
of  transacting  business.  While  the  lines  include  everything  required  by  the 


A.  KCHERRER. 

I'HOTU   BY   CLARK   &  NOTT. 


patrons  of  a  first-class  grocery  establishment,  a  special  effort  is  made  to  furnish 
the  finest  grades  of  tea  and  coffee,  together  with  medium  selections,  at  moderate 
prices.  The  staple  of  flour,  sometimes  difficult  to  obtain  in  desirable  brands,  is 
purchased  from  the  most  reliable  mills  and  guaranteed  the  very  best  on  the  market. 
Spices,  canned  goods  and  fruits  in  their  season  receive  particular  attention,  and  are 
always  first  in  quality.  The  senior  partner,  Mr.  S.  J.  Jones,  was  formerly  in  the 
same  trade  here,  but  a  number  of  years  since  went  to  Dakota,  where  he  engaged 
in  farming,  some  time  ago  returning  to  Belvidere.  His  experience  for  many  years 
in  the  line  again  taken  up,  will  be  mutually  valuable  to  himself  and  the  customers 
of  the  house.  He  was  a  soldier  in  the  late  war,  and  is  a  member  of  Hurlbut  Post 
G.  A.  R. ,  this  city.  Mr.  A.  Winnie,  his  business  associate,  comes  from  New 
York  state,  and  has  every  qualification  requisite  in  an  enterprise  of  this  nature. 
The  purpose  of  the  firm  is  to  win  the  confidence  of  the  community  in  the  relia- 


BEL  VIDE  RE   ILLUSTRATED. 


169 


bility  of  the  products  they  offer,  their  good  faith  in  dealing  with  customers,  and 
disposition  to  be  abreast  of  the  times  in  character  of  stock  and  a  low  range  of 
prices. 

CHARLES     E.     KELSEY. 

Mr.  Kelsey  is  one  of  the  veteran  publishers  and  music  dealers  of  Belvidere. 
Born  in  Clinton,  Conn.,  in  1834,  and  in  early  years  developing  a  talent  for  musical 
interpretation,  he  was,  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  appointed  Organist  of  the  church  in 
his  native  town.  From  that  time  until  about  six  years  ago  he  has  served  various 
organizations  in  this  capacity.  First  visiting  Belvidere  in  1858,  he  shortly  after- 
ward returned,  and  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ellen  E.  Tomkins.  She  was  a 

daughter  of  Enos  Tomkins, 
one  of  the  early  and  promi- 
nent citizens  of  Belvidere, 
now  deceased.  The  first  stock 
of  parlor  organs  brought  into 
this  county  was  consigned  to 
Mr.  Kelsey.  In  1878  he 
founded,  with  Rev.  W.  A. 
Welsher,  the  semi-weekly 
Recorder.  Later,  Mr.  Kelsey 
purchased  Mr.  Welsher's  in- 
terest, and  afterward  took  as 
partner  Charles  A.  Church. 
The  new  firm  continued  the 
publication  for  several  years, 
when  the  senior  partner  re- 
tired, and  opened  an  office 
for  commercial  printing.  Last 
year  he  formed  a  partner- 
ship with  Prof.  Mark  M. 
Jones,  of  Chicago — a  gentle- 
man with  thirty-five  years' 
experience  as  teacher,  com- 
poser, and  dealer — and  a  line 
of  pianos  and  organs  was 
added  to  the  printing  depart- 
ment. Mr.  Kelsey  is  an  in- 
ventor as  well  as  practical 

printer,  and  a  few  years  ago  brought  to  perfection  a  process,  originating  with  him- 
self, for  printing  thirty  separate  colors  at  one  impression.  He  is  a  high  Mason, 
and  has  served  the  local  organization  in  an  official  capacity  for  many  years. 
Genial,  energetic  and  patriotic — with  special  reference  to  progressive  Belvidere — 
Mr.  Kelsey  reaps  the  reward  of  continuous  faith  and  effort  in  the  confidence  of 
the  public  and  regard  of  a  wide  acquaintance. 

NEW  YORK    CONDENSING    CO. 

The  New  York  Milk  Condensing  Company  established  a  branch  in  Belvidere 
over  a  year  ago,  and  fifty  men  are  now  employed  at  the  factory.  The  company 
built  a  plant  costing  about  $75,000,  it  being  one  of  the  finest  in  the  west.  It  has 
proved  a  boon  to  the  farmers  who  never  before  got  such  prices  for  their  milk.  J. 
H.  Southard  is  local  manager  and  has  made  many  warm  friends  since  coming  to 
Belvidere.  He  is  thoroughly  competent  for  the  work,  and  has  the  confidence  of 
all  with  whom  he  has  business  transactions. 


C.  E.  KELSEY. 

PHOTO   BY   YOUNDT. 


170 


BELVIDERE    ILLUSTRATED. 


THE  DAILY  REPUBLICAN. 

THE  DAILY  REPUBLICAN  prides  itself  on  being  one  of  the  most  successful 
country  dailies  in  the  state.  The  paper  is  an  eight  column  folio  and  is  liberally 
patronized  by  the  people  of  Belvidere.  Three  years  ago  A.  H.  Keeler  and  Frank 
T.  Moran  launched  the  first  successful  daily  ever  published  in  Belvidere.  Mr. 
Moran  retired  from  the  firm  nine  months  later,  and  after  a  year's  work  in  Rock- 

ford  journalism  re- 
turned to  Belvidere 
and  purchased  a  half 
interest  in  the  Boone 
County  Republican, 
then  published  by 
Chas.  Beverly.  The 
new  firm  bought  the 
daily  of  Mr.  Keeler  and 
•conducted  it  until  Jan- 
uary 1,  1896,  when  Mr. 
Moran  became  sole  pro- 
prietor. The  weekly 
edition  run  in  connec- 
tion with  the  daily  has 
a  large  and  increasing 
circulation. 

O  The  editor  of  THE. 
REPUBLICAN,  though 
young  in  years,  has- 
had  over  seven  years' 
experience  in  the  jour- 
nalistic field.  Born 
near  Rockford  twenty- 
four  years  ago  he  at- 
tended the  p  u  b  1  ic 
schools,  and  subse- 
quently entered  Rock- 
ford  Academy,  from 
which  institution  he 
graduated.  He  taught 

h       !      f          ft    time     fa 

Winnebago  county,  and 
then  took  up  newspaper  work.  He  was  engaged  six  years  in  Rockford,  rising 
from  a  reportorial  position  on  the  Morning  Republican  to  city  editor.  On  April 
3,  1894,  he  married  Miss  Edna  Galey,  of  Rockford. 

A.  F.  Conklin,  late  city  editor  of  the  Rockford  Morning  Republican,  holds  a 
similar  position  with  the  Belvidere  REPUBLICAN.  He  is  a  clever  writer  and  good 
all-round  newspaper  man.  C.  H.  Seiders,  whose  experience  in  newspaper  work 
dates  back  eighteen  years,  is  advertising  manager,  and  is  wyell  equipped  for  the 
work.  M.  L.  Marshal]  is  foreman  of  the  job  rooms  and  Ezra  Merrill  foreman  of 
the  composing  force. 

This  creditable  production,  "Belvidere  Illustrated,"  speaks  louder  for  the- 
enterprise  of  the  paper  than  complimentary  words. 


THE  DAILY   REPCBLICA*  OFFICE   AND   EMPLOYE*. 
PHOTO  BY  CLARK  &  NOTT. 


FRANK  T.  MORAN. 


A.  F.  CONKLTN, 

CITY   EDITOR  THE  REPUBLICAN. 


JACK   EDWARDS, 

A  CLEVER   AND  PROMISING  SKETCH   ARTIST. 


CHAS.  H.  SEIDERS. 

ADVERTISING    MANAGER    THE    REPUBLICAN. 


GEN'L  A.  C.  FULLER,  President.  D.  D.  SABIN,  Vice-President. 

IRVING  TERWJLLIGER,  Cashier.  FRANK  SEWELL,  Ass't  Cashier. 

.          *    SECOND  NATIONAL  BANK, 

BELVIDERE,  ILL. 

Capital,  $100,000  Undivided  Profits,  $32,000 


Interest  Allowed  on  Certificates  of  Deposit. 

-   DIRECTORS. 

ALLEN  C.  FULLER,  D.  D.  SABIN,  MARK  RAMSEY,  W.  F.  HOVEY, 

IRVING  TERWILLIGER,  W.  S.  DONTON,  J.  L.  WITBECK. 


WM.  D.  SWAIL,  President.  F.  S.  WHITMAN,  Vice-Pres't. 

JOHN  GREENLEE,  Cashier.  B.  F.  HARNISH,  Ass't  Cashier. 

Organized  unier  the  General  Banking  Law  of  the  State  of  Illinois, 
Sept.,  1889. 

THE  PEOPLE'S  BANK  OF  BELVIDERE, 

BELVIDERE,   ILLINOIS. 

Paid-Up  Capital,  $50,000.00 
Surplus  and  Undivided  Profits,  $2O,OOO.OO 


A  GiNtRAL  BANKING  BUSINESS  TRANSACTED. 


Prompt  Attention  given  to  Collections.  Foreign  Exchange  Bought  and  Sold. 

Correspondence  Solicited. 


MARK.  RAMSEY,  President.  ALBERT   E.   LOOP,   Cashier. 

WM.  S.  DUNTON,  Vice-President.  CHARLES   D.   LOOP,  Teller. 

ESTABLISHED  IN  1865. 

FIRST  NATIONAL  BANK 

OF  BELVIDERE,  ILL. 

Capital,  575,000.00  Surplus,  $21,000.00 

Interest  Allowed  on  Certificates  of  Deposit. 

DIRECTORS. 

JOHN  J.  FOOTE,  HENRY  W.  AVERY,  JOHN  L.  WITSECK,  WM.  S.  DUNTON, 

JOHN  M.  GLASNER,  IRVING  TERWILLIGER,  ALBERT  E.  LOOP, 

MARK   RAMSEY. 


